View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the third period at Bell Centre. David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

QMJHL suspends Predators prospect indefinitely for allegedly spearing a fan

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Steven Ellis | Last updated 2/10/23

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has announced that Halifax Mooseheads forward Zachary L’Heureux has been handed an indefinite suspension for spearing a 16-year-old fan.

Allegations surfaced on social media on Thursday saying L’Heureux speared the young fan after losing to Gatineau in the shootout on Wednesday evening. Video evidence surfaced on Friday that appeared to show L’Heureux poking the fan through an opening on an exit door multiple times.

Primeur : J’ai obtenu une vidéo qui montre que Zachary L’Heureux (@HFXMooseheads) passe son bâton entre la porte et la bande et il semble tenter de frapper des partisans. @OlympiquesGAT @LHJMQ pic.twitter.com/AHOG7Z21uh
— Yanick St-Denis (@StDenis1047) February 10, 2023

According to the Nashville Post, the father of the 16-year-old said there were no injuries on the play and that the first jab was the only one that made contact.

This is the ninth suspension for L’Heureux since starting his career back in Moncton in 2019-20. Known for his hard-nosed play, L’Heureux has 18 goals and 37 points in 24 games after missing the first half of the season with an injury.

The Nashville Predators drafted L’Heureux with the 27th pick in 2021. L’Heureux made a name for himself for his physicality, and it has never mattered that he’s only 5-foot-11. He has speed and quick hands, but his ability to get under the skin of just about anyone is what has made him so effective during his junior career.

And, of course, in trouble with the QMJHL’s safety department.

A league statement said the disciplinary committee will review the evidence over the weekend before making a decision on the suspension length.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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