Woman needs stitches after hit with hockey puck at K.B. Willet, seeks reimbursement from city

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By Brandi Makuski

City leaders this week will be asked to consider denying a claim from a woman who said she incurred medical expenses after being hit by a hockey puck.

Tomahawk resident Lindsay Johnson said she needed stitches after being hit by the puck during a UWSP versus Stout game at K.B. Willet Arena on Jan. 26.

In her claim, which was filed on April 24, Johnson said the puck “came through the net/glass section” and hit her in the forehead while she was sitting in the stands.

An incident report was completed at the arena following the incident, and Johnson said she was advised to seek medical attention at an area hospital.

She’s seeking $1,465.44 to offset her out-of-pocket expenses for the medical treatment that wasn’t covered by her health insurance, according to city records.

The city’s insurer, CVMIC, advised that the city turned down Johnson’s claim, saying that state law provides immunity to municipalities for injuries resulting from recreational activity on public property.

“Being a spectator at a college hockey game would fall under this statute,” said CVMIC representative Allison DeFranze in an email to City Treasurer Corey Ladick. “In addition, it should be noted that Wis. Stat. 895.52(2) provides that there is no duty to keep the property safe for recreational activity, no duty to inspect, and no duty to give warning of an unsafe condition.”

DeFranze said according to the staff at the K.B. Willet ice rink, the netting in place at the arena is “standard placement.”

The Stevens Point Finance Committee meets at 6:35 p.m. on Monday, May 13, in the Community Room of the Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Ave. The public is welcome to attend.