1st round pick does the unthinkable; spears a fan with his stick and is now facing very serious consequences
The NHL, just like every other pro sports league, is a spectator sport. These leagues survive and thrive based on attendance and so it's important to the various leagues to ensure that fans have an enjoyable experience when they're at the stadium or arena. Such was not the case for one unlucky fan on Friday.
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 | ||
11 FEVRIER | 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 | ||
