QMJHL approves stiffer punishments for fighting
LONGUEUIL, Quebec (AP) — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League approved stiffer punishments for fighting Wednesday, a day before the start of the regular season.
All players involved in a fight will receive a 10-minute misconduct and 5-minute major. Previously, players were assessed only the 5-minute major. Anyone deemed to be an instigator also will get a 2-minute minor.
The amended rules will see players automatically handed a one-game suspension after their third fight, plus another game suspension for each additional skirmish.
Representatives from the league’s 18 teams in Quebec and the Maritimes voted on the rules in a video conference.
The stiffer penalties come after Isabelle Charest, the minister responsible for sport in Quebec, called on the league to ban fighting. The league is seeking $20 million in government assistance to help cover revenue lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
