Why D'Aoust Was Suspended

Here is the official reasoning behind the Olivier D’Aoust suspension. From the QMJHL website:

The disciplinary prefect of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Raymond Bolduc, suspended today Moncton Wildcats left-winger Olivier Daoust for 8 games. The suspension was given following an extreme game misconduct for a check from behind which occurred during the November 29th game against the Saint John Sea Dogs. 

Here is the rationale which led to the decision: 

- The player at fault was in the neutral zone at the opposing team’s blue line. He accelerated and took 7 to 8 strides and let himself slide for the last 20 feet. 

- His opponent was facing the boards at the goal-level red line. He was in a vulnerable position and didn’t see the player at fault coming towards him. The player at fault hit his opponent with force in the back and finished his check with his arm close to the neck. 

- The opponent placed himself in a vulnerable position. However, the player at fault had the time to react and avoid partial or full contact. The opponent’s head hit the glass with force. 

- The opponent suffered an injury on the play. 

- The distance traveled, speed and force of the impact were determining factors which led to the decision. 

The decision was rendered after reviewing the videotape of the incident, gathering the testimonies from the players and the organizations involved, reading the officials’ report and consulting the independent committee in the matter of disciplinary sanctions. 

The video of the incident will be available in the next few days.

Here is the footage of the hit.