Referee in critical condition

WCHA referee Butch Mousseaux remained in critical condition at a Grand Rapids, Mich., hospital on Saturday after suffering head injuries in a fall during pregame warmups prior to Friday's second semifinal game at the Final Five.

Here is the release from the WCHA:

Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) referee Oliver “Butch” Mousseaux sustained head injuries stemming from a fall to the ice during warm-ups prior to the second WCHA Final Five semifinal game of Friday, March 18 at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was transported to Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he remains in critical condition.

Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Butch, his wife, children and family during this difficult time.

We thank the staff and on-site medical personnel at the Van Andel Arena for their immediate response and action.

The WCHA will have no further comment at this time.

There have been mixed reports about what caused Mousseaux to fall. However, there was blood on the ice and emergency personnel hurried to the ice to help him. He was taken off the rink on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital. The injury delayed the start of the game between Ferris State and Michigan Tech by about 15 minutes.