Canucks fans criticized for cheering while Flames forward lays motionless on the ice after major hit

The 2024-25 Vancouver Canucks season got off to a great start, leading 4-1 after 20 minutes. Canucks fans at Rogers Arena were ecstatic about what was to come in the final 40 minutes of the first period, but that excitement quickly faded.

After Vancouver's lead was reduced to two goals in the second period, the Flames added three more goals in the final frame, and as the game approached overtime, the Canucks added one more.

The Flames emerged victorious in overtime, winning 6-5 thanks to a goal scored just over 1:30 into the extra period by 2020 first-round pick Connor Zary of the Calgary Flames.

It was an incredibly entertaining game with some really nice goals, and some hits.

Watch this matchup between JT Miller of the Canucks and Anthony Mantha, a rookie for the Flames:

However, concern arose earlier in the game when Kevin Rooney was forced off the ice in the Calgary Flames' season opener against the Vancouver Canucks due to an horrible injury. Rooney erred in his own zone with 7:44 remaining in the game. JT Miller, a forward for the Canucks, took advantage of the turnover by hitting Rooney, who staggered into the boards.

Medical personnel quickly took care of Rooney while he was still unconscious and laying on the ice. As Rooney was being attended to, a few players got into a brief altercation. Rooney was to be transported on a stretcher, but happily, he managed to skate off the ice on his own.

While Rooney lay motionless on the ice, Vancouver Canucks fans were chanting JT Miller's name, which prompted many to label them as disrespectful for their premature actions.

In the end, though, our thoughts are with Rooney right now, and we're all hoping that he'll be able to return to the ice soon. This also serves as a reminder of how violent and harsh hockey can be.