The 2017-18 NHL season is still in its infancy, but it has already featured some outrageous offense, incredible saves and monstrous checks. Thanks to Ian Cole of the Pittsburgh Penguins, it has also featured its first of many graphic injuries.
While killing off a penalty, Cole found himself on the receiving end of a powerful slap shot from Nashville’s Roman Josi. Unfortunately, it caught him directly in the mouth.
Note the teeth flying out of Cole’s mouth on the replay. Hockey is not for the faint of heart.
The injury forced Cole to head to the locker room, leaving a small pool of blood on the ice behind him.
Wonder what kind of damage Josi’s shot did to Cole’s mouth? Cole took to Twitter to give fans a close look at the state of his mouth.
This photo is extremely graphic. You’ve been warned.
…
…
Thank you all for the concern, down a few good teeth and some jaw but doing well. Looking forward to getting back ASAP pic.twitter.com/NNAARACaDs
— Ian Cole (@ICole28) October 8, 2017
Hockey fans are used to seeing some post-injury photos, but this may be the first we can recall where a photo was taken while the work was actually being done on a player’s mouth. Honestly, it’s pretty gross.
Considering this is hockey, Cole isn’t expected to miss too much time. He may have some trouble communicating and he may need to wear a full shield, but he probably won’t be out as long as that graphic photo might suggest.
Hopefully Cole’s tweet didn’t ruin your breakfast.
