Hardie suspended four games

Press Release

BOUCHERVILLE, Tuesday January 7, 2014 - The Director of Player Safety of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Raymond Bolduc, today suspended Austyn Hardie of the Halifax Mooseheads for 4 games. The suspension was handed out following an incident that occurred on January 5 against the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Here is the rationale that led to the decision:

The opponent was on a two on one.
He was in control of the puck on the right side of the ice.
At the face off level, he took a shot towards the net.
The player at fault skated towards him and gave him a body check at the red goal line.
Both players had speed.
The goaltender froze the puck and the play was over.
The time between the shot and the body check was over the permitted time.
Despite the fact that he tried to protect himself and that the hit was to the shoulder, the opponent lost control and fell heavily on the boards.
The opponent was injured on the play.
This is the first offense for the player at fault.

The Director of Player Safety took this decision after having viewed videos of the incident, considered the officials report, spoken to the players and organizations involved and after consulting the Advisory Committee for disciplinary action.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)