NHL issues no fine or suspension for Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon for slashing official


NHL issues no fine or suspension for Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon for slashing official

Nathan MacKinnon

Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon will not be fined or suspended by the National Hockey League (NHL) despite him slashing an official on Monday.

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The bizarre incident on ice took place during the clash against Boston Bruins after a third-period faceoff when MacKinnon lost the draw to Tomas Nosek and absorbed a forearm shiver from the Bruins forward to the back of the head. Following this, he responded with a two-hand chop that made contact with linesman Michel Cormier but the play occurred directly after the Bruins’ fifth goal of the game against the Avalanche.

Notably, this slashing incident isn’t the only recent play MacKinnon has got off as the Colorado star six days prior, levelling Vegas forward Nolan Patrick with a headshot. As a result, the latter left the game and has not returned to practice since while MacKinnon received just a two-minute minor for interference and no supplemental discipline.

NHL issues official statement on Nathan MacKinnon’s incident

The NHL Hockey Operations said this in a statement:

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“The safety of our on-ice officials is, and always has been, of paramount importance to us. In this regard, we have always exercised a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any form of abuse of our officials. Last night, one of our officials was struck by a player with his stick immediately after a face-off.

We immediately investigated the incident and, having conferred with the on-ice officiating crew and the NHL Officials’ Association, it has been determined that the player’s intention was not to strike the official but, rather, to initiate contact with the opposing player. Given this conclusion, it has been determined that no further discipline is necessary. This decision should in no way be seen as a diminution of our steadfast conviction to protect our officials.”

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