Hurricanes surprise Rob Ray with a gift between the benches as he returns to action

If you're a hockey fan of a certain vintage, you've got to love Rob Ray. 

The former Buffalo Sabres forward turned broadcaster was one of the toughest players to lace 'em up in the 1990s and is now arguably the toughest broadcaster in the sport.

The 56 year old color commentator took a puck to the face on Saturday evening while he called the Sabres' game against the New York Rangers, letting out a very audible expletive in the process.

Check it out:

Ray is as tough as they come though, so he finished out the game with hardly a complaint.

On Tuesday night the savvy vet took necessary precautions.

He called the game from the 300 section nosebleeds seats to get as far away from the action as possible.

Check it out:

Tonight Ray returns between the benches for the Sabres' game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, NC and the Hurricanes provided him with a bit some protection should he need it: Bubble wrap.

Check it out:

Knowing Rayzor, I bet he was absolutely rolling when he saw this!