John Mitchell of Colorado Avalanche takes puck to face, returns and scores a goal [Video, Photo]

NHL hockey has returned, and with it has come the welcomed return of ‘the tough guy’.

Colorado Avalanche center John Mitchell not only took a puck straight to the forehead, but the guy actually returned to the game to log 11 minutes of ice team after getting stitched up in the locker room.

And even crazier, not only did he return after it was shown that he had not sustained a concussion or any broken bones, but he even scored a goal in the Avs’ 4-0 win over Columbus.

[Related >> Columbus sports 'Thank You Fans' jerseys before facing the Red Wings]

“I could see out of both eyes. I knew I was cut, obviously, but I could see,” Mitchell told the Denver Post. “It’s always nice when you have a significant injury, you get stitched up and you come back. I just wanted to come back and try and help the team out any way I could. Scoring a goal is obviously a bonus.”

Oh yeah, and did we mention that chicks dig scars? Yes, we know he’s married, but we had to throw that in there.

Wow, just wow. Now that’s a hockey player right there.

Photo courtesy Mike Chambers, Denver Post

H/T: SB Nation

The Edmonton Oilers actually break into a ‘Flying V’ in a real game.

What do you think Gamedayrs?