Mikhail Grabovski (Photo Via Imagn Images)

Ex-NHL Star Arrested For Attacking Opposing Youth Hockey Coach & Sending Him To The Hospital

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 8:00 PM ET

Former NHL player Mikhail Grabovski is now facing an assault charge after a youth hockey game in Ontario got out of hand, according to reports.

Police were called to the rink around 11 p.m. on March 14 during an Ontario Minor Hockey Association playoff game. The game featured Grabovski’s under-15 Markham Waxers team against the York Simcoe Express. Officers arrested a 42-year-old man at the scene, and paramedics took the victim to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Toronto Sun later identified the man as Grabovski. Court records show he was officially charged on March 30, and he is set to appear in court on June 12. The league has also suspended him while the investigation is ongoing.

Heated Game Spills Into Locker Room

Former New York Islanders center Mikhail Grabovski (Photo By Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

Tensions ran high throughout the game. Referees handed out 61 minutes in penalties. They cited boarding, roughing, and head contact fouls. Officials also gave the Waxers a 10-minute misconduct penalty for “disrespectful and abusive behavior” at the end of the game.

The Express won 11-0. Emotions boiled over as players left the ice. The Toronto Sun reported that Grabovski confronted opposing coach Warren Cooper near the locker room. The report said Grabovski allegedly attacked him.

Video footage reviewed by the outlet shows referees turning and skating toward a disturbance. Someone off camera shouted, “you f***ing coward.”

Sources told the outlet that tensions continued even after people separated the coaches. One person allegedly made a death threat, though reports have not confirmed who made it or what sparked the initial clash.

The league addressed the situation in a statement. “The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is aware of this situation and does not condone this type of behaviour, nor does it reflect the values of the OMHA or the sport,” the league said.

Authorities released Grabovski with conditions. He cannot contact Cooper or visit places where Cooper may be present.

Grabovski played 10 seasons in the NHL, he played for teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders.

He also faced legal trouble in the past. A civil suit accused him of assault during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. A court dismissed that case in March 2018 before trial.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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