Brannstrom stretchered off the ice after scary hit from Cal Clutterbuck

UPDATE: The Senators have announced that Brannstrom is awake and alert at hospital.

Read below for our earlier report on this developing story.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom has been stretchered off the ice at the New York Islanders' UBS Arena in Long Island after taking a huge hit from Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck.

Brannstrom was entering the Islanders' zone when he got absolutely pasted by Clutterbuck and dumped on his head and neck.

Check it out:

Medical staff was quick to assist Brannstrom and get him on a stretcher and he is now being rushed to hospital for proper evaluation. 

Stay tuned for an update from the team when available.