Like every sport, hockey is dangerous and has its risks.

NHL players know the risks, though, and because they play through gruesome and extremely painful injuries, many people consider hockey players to be the toughest athletes in the world.

If you need another example of why people think that, look no further than Derek Forbort of the Los Angeles Kings.  Monday night against the Wild, Forbort's ear was accidentally cut open by Zach Parise's skate, and the aftermath was NSFW to say the least.

(Seriously, if you're not good with gruesome injuries, you may not want to see this picture)

We told you it was NSFW and the details of the injury don't help to change that fact.

It's hard to believe Forbort only missed a few shifts when the incident occurred and played over 20 minutes against the Jets, but that's what hockey players do.

Forbort against Wild after getting cut by skate (Reddit Hockey)
Forbort agains the Jets Tuesday night (Reddit Hockey)

With the playoffs right around the corner, expect to see more players play through injuries to help their team attempt to win a Stanley Cup.

(H/T: /r/hockey)