Calgary Flames star John Beecher in danger of suspension after controversial hit on McCarron

NHL Sees Two Sucker Punch Incidents in One Night, Beecher Facing Disciplinary Hearing

Saturday night in the NHL saw two shocking sucker-punch incidents, highlighting what many are calling a troubling trend in the league.

The Department of Player Safety announced that both incidents could result in suspensions.

The first involved Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley, who delivered a sucker punch to Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.

Shortly afterward, the league revealed another case: Calgary Flames forward John Beecheris set to face a disciplinary hearing for a sucker punch on Nashville Predators forward Michael McCarron.

The incident between Beecher and McCarron took place in the first period of the Flames-Predators clash, with roughly six minutes remaining. Tensions were high in front of the Flames’ bench, and a physical confrontation began. McCarron dropped his gloves and landed several shots on Beecher before he could respond.

However, the altercation seemed to end, and officials were about to separate the players — but Beecher then threw a bare-knuckled punch directly at McCarron’s jaw, catching him completely off guard. McCarron fell to the ice, clutching his head for several moments before recovering.

The league has yet to announce the length of a potential suspension, but Beecher is expected to have a hearing with the NHL’s disciplinary arm in the coming days.

Replays of the incident show the punch was both unexpected and deliberate, which could influence the severity of the penalty.