Rangers' Kevin Klein loses chunk of ear, reattaches it, scores winning goal

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- New York Rangers defensman Kevin Klein proved how tough hockey players are when he lost a chunk of his ear and had it sewn back on before scoring a winning goal in overtime.

During Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Klein had his ear swiped by a hockey stick, detaching part of it. Klein, rather than sit out the rest of the game to seek medical attention, had it sewn back on and returned with a bloody ear to score a winning goal in overtime, leaving the score at 4-3.

The wound required 13 stitches. Social media praised the hockey player for being a "boss."

#NHL players freakin' tough. Lose part of your ear, have it sewn back on, score winner in OT. http://t.co/Ga92fJ0cH5 pic.twitter.com/XspT2Zbg4Y

— Mike Dyce (@mikedyce) December 9, 2014

AV on Kevin Klein's ear: "He lost a piece of it. They sewed it back. Say what you want about hockey players. They're tough SOBs." #NYR

— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) December 9, 2014

Baller RT @ForTheWin: Rangers' Kevin Klein loses part of ear, gets stitches, scores winner http://t.co/KEFuwu56m0 pic.twitter.com/HBcVD98e56

— Erin Andrews (@ErinAndrews) December 9, 2014

Klein later tweeted a picture of his successfully mended ear.

Thanks everyone! Saw the plastic surgeon this morning it is all good. #tysonbitme pic.twitter.com/xqJQuxz7r6

— Kevin Klein (@Realkevinklein8) December 9, 2014