During a Bantam AA hockey playoff game on March 22, 2025, involving players aged 14 to 15, a six-minute penalty was assessed following an incident where a player engaged in repeated slashing with a broken stick. According to Hockey Canada rules, a player whose stick has broken must immediately drop all pieces and is prohibited from participating in play until obtaining a new stick.
Slashing, defined as swinging a stick at an opponent, is penalized under Hockey Canada’s Rule 9.3. The severity of the penalty—minor, major, or match—is determined by the referee based on the nature of the infraction.
The league has been notified of the incident and is expected to conduct a thorough review in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. While on-ice infractions are typically managed within the sport’s regulatory framework, there have been instances where actions during play have led to legal consequences. Notably, in 2000, NHL player Marty McSorley was found guilty of assault with a weapon after striking an opponent in the head with his stick.
Ensuring appropriate conduct during games is vital for fostering a positive culture within hockey communities. The outcome of the league’s review will determine any further actions or sanctions resulting from this incident.
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