New sanctions will effectively ban fighting at Quebec Major Junior Hockey League games.
The penalties were part of new safety guidelines unveiled ahead of the 2023-24 season.
If a player instigated the fight, they will get an automatic one-game suspension.
The person found to be the aggressor will be suspended for at least two games.
Players involved in multiple fights in a season will receive an automatic game suspension in addition to any other sanctions.
League officials said the changes are meant to “prevent physical and psychological violence that may result in minor or serious injury or, in extreme circumstances, death.”
“These new rules show that the League is taking a proactive approach to safeguarding its athletes’ physical and emotional well-being, and are crucial to fostering a secure environment for all players,” the QMJHL said in a news release.
The sanctions are the result of recommendations made by a committee comprised of owners, general managers and some staff members from the league commissioner’s office.
