Another Quebec junior hockey player suspended for violent headshot

Canwest News Service: Thursday, February 4, 2010

In this file photo, Marco Scandella #5 of Team Canada celebrates his second period goal with team mates during the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship Tournament Semifinal game.

Photo Credit: Richard Wolowicz, Getty Images

QUEBEC — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League suspended Val-d’Or Foreurs defenceman Marco Scandella indefinitely Thursday for a violent headshot.

The incident took place Wednesday during a game against the Rimouski Oceanic. Scandella delivered an elbow to forward Alexandre Durette, causing Durette’s visor to break into pieces.

Durette suffered cuts to his face.

The Foreurs lodged a complaint with the QMJHL, arguing the violent hit was reminiscent of the headshot delivered by Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward Patrice Cormier to Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts.

The league suspended Scandella indefinitely pending an investigation.

“After seeing the hit, I believe it is the right decision while the disciplinary process runs its course. Our position is clear: We have a responsibility to protect our players. Their safety is our No. 1 priority,” QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a press release.

No timetable has been set for a decision.

Cormier’s Jan. 17 hit on Tam, which left the player lying on the ice and convulsing, sparked a national debate on hockey players’ safety.

Cormier was banned for the rest of the QMJHL regular season plus the playoffs for his actions, but the Huskies are appealing the sanction.