Alex Chiasson tossed for spearing Nick Cousins (Video)

Calgary Flames forward Alex Chiasson received a major penalty and a game misconduct for spearing Philadelphia Flyers forward Nick Cousins in their Wednesday game.

The play happened at the 7:41 mark of the first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Cousins was standing next to the Flames bench when the infraction occurred as Chiasson was skating up ice.

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Cousins doubled-over in pain initially but eventually continued onward, not missing a shift. Even though the play didn’t look that bad, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg pointed out that there is no minor penalty for spearing. Under rule 62.3, if a player makes contact with another player on a spear, then a major penalty will be called.

Also per NHL rules, “Whenever a major penalty is assessed for spearing, a game misconduct penalty must also be imposed.”

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So for Chiasson’s action, there was no other choice for the referee other than to give him a major penalty and toss him out. The NHL tries to make sure players are responsible for their sticks and this was another example.

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