News
Hockey Player Under Criminal Investigation for Hard Hit
Zdeno Chara Investigated After Injuring Player
Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins is under criminal investigation after hitting Max Pacioretty of the Montreal Canadiens so hard during a game that Pacioretty sustained a concussion and a fracture vertebra.
The criminal investigation was initiated on Thursday by the Montreal police, who say they are acting on a request by Quebec's director of criminal and penal prosecutions, Louis Dionne.
Chara inflicted the hard hit on Tuesday, and the NHL said on Wednesday that it will not suspend Chara for the hit.
"Obviously I'm satisfied and happy about it. Relieved," said Chara on Thursday. "They [i.e., the NHL] looked at it and made a decision, and I respect that."
Pacioretty was angered by the NHL's decision, saying that he's certain Chara intentionally tried to slam Pacioretty's head into a partition.
"I'm not mad for myself, I'm mad because if other players see a hit like that and think it's OK, they won't be suspended, then other players will get hurt like I got hurt," said Pacioretty.
"I totally understand," said Chara. "He's in the hospital so he's got the right to be emotional and I respect that. I feel bad that he got hurt, as a hockey player we all feel bad when something like that happens. Doesn't matter if it's the home team or the visiting team. I'm wishing him a fast recovery so that he can get back on the ice soon. That's all we like to do, is play hockey. When we go out there, we take risks and sometimes we get hurt. It's just very unfortunate... It was just a hockey play that developed. I know deep down I didn't do it intentionally. I said it before, it's not my style. I never try to hurt anybody. I play physical, I play hard, but that's not what I intended to do."
The Montreal police said that they will determine if there are grounds for prosecution after evidence is collected.
"The police investigation will be held. Like all police investigations, evidence will be gathered and an investigation report will be submitted," said spokeswoman Martine Berube. "[The DCPP] will then evaluate to see whether there's grounds for prosecution."
In reference to the criminal charges that may or may not soon face him, Chara said on Thursday, "I got some media information on that this morning. But right now, I'm focusing on my game, and playing hockey. We'll see."
(Sources: Associated Press, ESPN.com)
Are you a hockey fan? If so, then Hollywood Collectibles invites you to celebrate your appreciation for the sports and all of its great players and teams with authentic hockey memorabilia. With over two decades of experience in the sports memorabilia industry, Hollywood Collectibles offers an immense variety of signed hockey collectibles, including everything from autographed pucks and signed jerseys to signed hockey sticks and collectible hockey cards.
More News
Serena Williams Cries After Grand Slam Comeback Victory
Released On: 6/22/2011
Views: 8311
Pat Riley: Erik Spoelstra Will Still Coach Heat
Released On: 6/22/2011
Views: 8173
Chad Pennington to Become Fox Analyst
Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington says that he will skip the 2011 NFL season so that he can recover from injuries. And since he will have no playing obligations, Pennington has signed up to serve as an analyst for Fox Sports.
Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 7633
Rafael Nadal Wins Opening Wimbledon Match
Rafael Nadal, the defending champion of Wimbledon, won the first match of this year's Wimbledon on Monday by defeating American player Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 4792
Albert Pujols Injured; Out for 4-6 Weeks
Released On: 6/21/2011
Views: 5910
Jennifer Lopez "On The Fence" About Returning to American Idol
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5332
Mavericks Coach Praises Miami Heat Coach
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6274
Mario Chalmers Receives Offer From Miami Heat
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5753
Kim Clijsters Withdraws From Wimbledon
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5572
Jimmy Connors Doubts Roddick Can Win Another Slam
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 5950
Baseball Team Makes Fun of LeBron James
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6576
DeShawn Stevenson Arrested for Public Intoxication
Released On: 6/16/2011
Views: 6038
LeBron James: I Don't Think "I'm Superior or Better Than Anyone Else"
Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 6638
Shaquille O'Neal in Sex Tape Scandal
Released On: 6/15/2011
Views: 6192
Map
Hollywood Collectibles
Get DirectionsHollywood Collectibles
-
1300 Stirling Road Suite 1 C&D
Dania Beach, Florida 33004
United States - (954) 986-0707
- Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM ET
Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
