Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, head coach of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, and Chicoutimi counterpart Richard Martel have both been suspended following Saturday's brawl during Game 2 of their playoff series.
Roy, whose son Jonathan was involved in the fracas, was suspended for five games while Martel received an automatic two-game suspension after one of his players left the bench to join the brawl.
Each organization was also fined $4,000.
QMJHL Press Release
BOUCHERVILLE, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Gilles Courteau, today announced the details surrounding the suspensions levied upon head coaches Richard Martel of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and Patrick Roy of the Quebec Remparts, as well as the fines imposed to four organizations involved in different incidents which occurred last Saturday.
Richard Martel receives an automatic two-game suspension as stipulated in League rules after his player, Sébastien Rioux, left the bench to participate in the on-ice melee. Moreover, Patrick Roy is suspended for five games for his prejudicial conduct. Moreover, the Remparts organization is fined $4,000 as are the Saguenéens ($3,000 + $1,000 automatic for the player leaving the bench).
The Shawinigan Cataractes are fined $2,000 while the Gatineau Olympiques are fined $1,000 for the incidents which occurred during their second playoff game last Saturday.
"The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League finds the events which took place over the course of last week-end's games deplorable and unacceptable," commented the Commissioner. "We are deeply troubled by the incidents. In closing, I'd like to warn organizations that these types of incidents will not be tolerated and that should any more occur, steep fines will be handed out."
The decision was rendered after reviewing the incidents and consulting all concerned parties.
In accordance with the QMJHL policy in the matter of disciplinary sanctions, the Commissioner will make no further comment on any of the fines or suspensions.