Stars D Polak stretchered off

Reuters

Dallas Stars defenseman Roman Polak was stretchered off the ice after skating headfirst into the boards during the second period of the team's season opener against the visiting Boston Bruins on Thursday night.

Polak was battling for the puck with Bruins forward Chris Wagner when his head collided with the boards. The 14-year veteran was down on the ice for several minutes before a stretcher was brought out to remove him, players from each team taking a knee during the scare.

Polak was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, according to the Stars. The 33-year-old had a goal and eight assists in 77 games with Dallas last season.

The Stars also lost forwards Blake Comeau (lower body) and Jason Dickinson (upper body) to injuries early in the contest. The team ruled out both players from returning.

--Field Level Media