CALGARY -- Natalie Christensen of Team BC suffered an apparent concussion on Thursday when she collided with an opponent from the Edmonton Chimos in first-round play at the Esso Women's Nationals Women's Hockey Championship.

Christensen fell awkwardly into the corner boards and was knocked unconscious briefly in the mishap. She remained on the ice for several minutes and the referee sent both teams to their respective dressing rooms with 6:46 remaining in the second period.

Medical staff said the BC player was conscious and alert when she was removed from the ice on a stretcher and taken to Foothills Hospital for further treatment. It was not known whether Christensen would be able to participate in the 10-team tournament, which continues through the weekend at Father David Bauer and Max Bell arenas.

Team BC, which is represented by the New Westminster Lightning, lost the game 4-0 to the Chimos, the host team in the championship.