Tampa Bay Lightning Prospect Suspended For Remarks Made To An Opponent

This past weekend, Saginaw was without their captain for two games after the OHL completed its investigation and determined he had violated the OHL Code of Conduct.

Last Friday, the OHL announced they had suspended Spirit captain and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, Ethan Hay, for five games, resulting from a remark he made about an opposing player.

View the original article to see embedded media.

The incident occurred in a game between Saginaw and Owen Sound on Oct. 27. Hay was given a game misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the third period with the game tied 4-4 after he drew a penalty.

Upon reviewing the events that transpired before the Lightning prospect (drafted 211th overall in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft) was ejected, it's impossible to say what earned him his ejection at first glance.

Attack forward Pierce Mbuyi dragged down Hay at the net front and was given a two-minute minor penalty for holding. After the commercial break, the referees can be seen having a conversation with one of the linesmen before ushering over to assess Hay's penalty.

Related: Guelph Storm Ryan McGuire Suspended For Reckless Check To The Head

While the referees were speaking to Ethan Hay and Landon Hookey of the Attack in front of the scorers' table, Mbuyi while in the penalty box can be seen muttering words in their direction, but it is unclear who he was directing them at.

"Following a thorough investigation, the league has determined that Hay violated the OHL Code of Conduct as a result of a remark made in reference to an opposing player. It is the position of the League that, though there are reasonable grounds to suggest that Hay’s remark was not uttered with malicious intent, it was delivered in a context that demonstrated a lack of awareness," stated the OHL in their press release.

Players who violate the OHL's Code of Conduct receive an automatic five-game suspension.

A similar situation happened last year in the playoffs with London Knights forward Landon Sim. He was suspended five games for calling a Spirit player a p---y after the aforementioned player threatened to break his shoulder.

There will be continuous rumors and speculations regarding what Ethan Hay said to earn himself this suspension. Whatever it may have been, it is not a great look for a captain to be given a five-game suspension for breaking the league's Code of Conduct.

Hay can return to the Spirit lineup on Nov. 13 when the reigning Memorial Cup Champions take on the Flint Firebirds.

Related: Spencer Sova Records Five Assists In Steelheads' Victory Over North Bay

Bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league.