When the Dallas Stars hosted the Washington Capitals back on January 21st, Dmitry Orlov received a double-minor for high-sticking Jamie Benn. As Orlov tried to stick-check the Dallas captain, the Caps defenseman missed, striking Benn in the face.

Benn broke his nose on the play, but the story doesn’t end there. Several weeks later, the Stars revealed that Orlov was quite contrite about the mistake, showing good sportsmanship in the process.

Kids, take note!

Here is the play in question. As Orlov goes for the lift check, Benn takes a shot on Philipp Grubauer. Orlov, expecting there to be resistance from Benn, loses control of his stick and strikes the Stars forward in the nose.

Benn, who is one of the few NHL players to not wear a visor, crumpled to the ice.

Orlov was not pleased with himself after the play.

Meanwhile, Benn struggled to make it down the Stars’ tunnel.

In the third period, Benn returned, wearing a visor. It was later announced that his nose was broken on the play.

In early February, Jamie Benn and his brother Jordie spent an afternoon playing floor hockey and answering questions with kids at a local gym. Reader Michelle Clapp let us know that the Dallas Stars’ Snapchat documented their day. One of the children in attendance asked Jamie about his broken nose.

Video: Dallas Stars Snapchat @starsnhl

“I don’t think [Orlov] meant to do it,” Benn said. “It happens and he said sorry after.”

Of course he did.

While hockey is a violent sport, a majority of the players show respect to each other. Count Orlov as one of those guys.

Photo: Sean Berry