Zachary L'Heureux, the Nashville Predators' 1st round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, made headlines on Friday for all the wrong reasons, when he actually speared a fan with his stick on the way off the ice. If you're of the preconceived notion that perhaps this was accidental, the video evidence is pretty damning.
As a result, L'Heureux has been suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. The 19-year-old has had some issues with self-control and discipline over the years and had looked as though he was beginning to turn a corner after being drafted 27th overall by the Preds. Now, all of that progress has been erased with his latest indiscretion.
Unless a player is defending himself against a fan who is attacking him, there is just no good reason for a player to put his hands - or in this case, his stick - on a fan who paid admission to attend a game. Despicable behaviour exhibited here by L'Heureux.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 11 | 332 ANSWERS 1st round pick does the unthinkable; spears a fan with his stick and is now facing very serious consequences What should the punishment be for Zachary L'Heureux after he speared a fan? | ||
Suspend him 5 games or less | 33 | 9.9 % |
Suspend him for 6-10 games | 36 | 10.8 % |
Suspend him for the rest of the season | 164 | 49.4 % |
Throw him out of the league | 99 | 29.8 % |
List of polls |