NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has suspended a player for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs after his violent headbutt last week left his opponent bloodied and unable to finish the game.
Brampton Steelheads player Luke Dragusica, 18, was suspended after the OHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the team’s Nov. 14 game against the Oshawa Generals in which Dragusica slashed defenseman Brady Blaseg across the face.
Tristan Delisle (40) of the Oshawa Generals battles Luke Dragusica (23) of the Mississauga Steelheads during the third period at the Tribute Communities Center in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada on December 13, 2023. (Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
The incident took place with a little more than two minutes left in the game.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Video of the incident showed Dragusica swinging his cane across the face of Blaseg, who immediately fell to the ground in apparent pain. While he was down, Dragusica continued to cross-check Blaseg.
A fight ensued between the two teams, with referees quickly stepping in to separate the players.
Blaseg was tended to by staff, and video of the incident showed blood staining the ice where Blaseg was hit. He did not return to the game.
Dragusica will be required to complete a league-mandated education, counseling and community service program as part of his suspension. (iStock)
ISLANDERS COACH CONFRONTS STAR PLAYER WITH VERBAL ATTACK AFTER SUSPENSION FOR CONTROVERSIAL BOARDING HIT
“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the incident by the OHL Department of Player Safety that incorporated video, game reports, interviews and submissions from both clubs,” the OHL said in a statement released Friday.
“The intentional use of a stick as a weapon against an opponent’s head, followed by further contact with a defenseless player, is a dangerous and unacceptable act that has no place in the OHL.”
Dragusica will be required to complete a league-mandated education, counseling and community service program as part of his suspension. He will also appear before a reinstatement panel to determine his eligibility for the 2026-2027 season.
Tristan Delisle (40) of the Oshawa Generals battles Luke Dragusica (23) of the Mississauga Steelheads during the third period at the Tribute Communities Center in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada on December 13, 2023. (Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
According to The athletic, Blaseg was cut over the mouth and bruised on the face, but he returned to play in the team’s next game just two days later.
