Baillargeon suspended 4 games
Boucherville, Tuesday January 26th, 2016 – The Director of Player Safety of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Raymond Bolduc, suspended Maxim Baillargeon of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for 4 games. The suspension was handed out following an incident that occurred on January 23rd against the Saint John Sea Dogs.
Here is the rationale that led to the decision:
The opponent was in possession of the puck at the height of the face off dot to the left of Cape Breton’s goaltender.
The player at fault was a few feet behind him.
After the opponent took a shot on goal, the player at fault went towards him and gave him a crosscheck in the back.
The opponent was in a vulnerable position and did not expect to receive a push from behind.
The player at fault forcefully pushed his opponent by extending his arms at the height of the numbers.
The contact exceeded the permitted tolerance for any physical contact against an opponent.
The opponent gave heavily against the boards.
This is a very dangerous move that can cause serious injuries.
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.
