The QMJHL commissioner reacts to brawl

Press Release

The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Gilles Courteau, reacted today to last night’s events between the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

"What we saw yesterday is not at all representative of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. It is a deplorable and isolated incident that doesn’t have its place in hockey," said the Commissioner.

"The League has evolved a tremendous deal in the past several years and we have deployed all of our efforts to ensure the well-being and security of our players. To this effect, at my discretion, I will impose a $25 000 fine, on top of any sanctions imposed by the Director of Player Safety, for all inappropriate future behaviour from a player, coach or member of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar or Blainville-Boisbriand Aramda organisations until the end of the semi-finals."

The Commissioner said that the League has advocated to its players, for a number of years, a mutually respectful attitude whilst rejecting violent behaviour. Our priority will always be the supervision and safety of our players, said Gilles Courteau. "We need to meet this goal by creating an environment where they can feel free to play hockey safely. In this regard, we must deter players from inappropriate behaviour. I reiterate that it is important that this League be the best place for a player’s development."

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