A HOCKEY player was left in a coma after getting hit in the face with the ball for the second time in a week.

Sam Owen was playing for Blackpool Hockey Club against Bolton Hockey Club when the ball smashed into his face in the first half.

The 27-year-old, who is Blackpool's team captain, complained early in the second half about feeling dizzy and was then driven the short distance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Doctors decided to put Mr Owen in a coma so they could operate on him.

Yesterday, Mr Owen came out of the coma and was recovering with his loved ones at his bedside.

Bolton Hockey Club president Mark Bailey said: "It was awful to find out that this player was in an induced coma after being hit during the game.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with our club are with the player and his family."

The match was a second-team game in the North West Hockey League Division 4 North.

The league's information manager, Mike McDonagh, said: "We can confirm that Sam was injured during the game.

"Sam was hit on the side of his head and came off the pitch.

"He continued to watch the game and actually gave his team their half-time talk.

"Just after half time, he told the Blackpool spectators that he did not feel well and was starting to feel dizzy.

"They then took him direct to hospital.

"The doctors ordered x-rays and, after consultation, decided to put Sam into an induced coma for his safety. This is normal procedure.

"Sam then had an operation on Saturday night and is now awake and talking. Things look good for him.

"The league committee wish Sam an Speedy recovery."

Mr McDonagh added that, as Mr Owen had been hit by a ball week earlier, his fellow players and club officials did not know if his dizziness was as a result of the latest strike or the previous one.

Only days earlier, Mr Owen had commented on Twitter about the tragic death of Australian cricket Phil Hughes, who was hit by a ball during a cricket match.

On Saturday, an Israeli cricket umpire died after being hit in the neck by a ball.