Czech ice hockey ref hit by puck, dies

The Czech Ice Hockey Federation says a 24-year-old referee has died after being injured during a game. He was reportedly hit in the head by a puck.

An ice hockey referee in the Czech Republic has died after being struck by a puck during a game.

The Czech Ice Hockey Federation says Pavel Lainka, 24, died on Saturday, without elaborating on his injury.

According to media reports, Lainka was hit in the head by a puck in a youth game.

The federation says a minute of silence for Lainka will be observed at all matches in the top two leagues.