Sam Bennett Crushes Slater Koekkoek and Breaks Collarbone [Video]

Oilers' Slater Koekkoek was only 14 seconds into the Battle of Alberta when Flames' Sam Bennett drilled him with a shoulder-to-shoulder check at the red line that resulted in a broken collarbone.

Koekkoek revealed, via his Instagram, that the hit from Bennett coupled with the fall resulted in a broken collarbone that will keep him off the ice, most likely, for the rest of the season.

This is another situation where many are saying the hit was high, but ignoring the the fact that Slater Koekkoek was in a bad position, receiving the puck and had his head down. Bennett came in bent his knees, tucked his elbow and delivered a solid check. 

This is why 'keep your head up' should always be stressed at all levels and at all times. 

The Oilers were also without Kailer Yamamoto for the end of  Saturday's game, but afterwards it was reported that he is not seriously injured and will take it day-to-day.  

The Oilers beat the Flames 7-1 on Saturday.