Yantsis ejected after hit from behind that sent opponent to hospital

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Cooper Godin
April 28, 2024 (4:20 PM)

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The Kelly Cup Playoffs are in full swing in the ECHL and on Saturday, an incident occurred between Trois-Rivieres and Norfolk that could see a Lions player receive a hefty suspension.

Just over half-way through the second period of Game 5 between the Lions and Admirals, Norfolk defenceman Darick Louis-Jean went to retrieve the puck in his corner when Trois-Rivieres forward Jonathan Yantsis, who only joined the team two weeks ago, hit his opponent from behind into the boards.

A scrum ensued immediately following the hit, with Louis-Jean down on the ice in pain. Yantsis was ejected and given a game misconduct, while Louis-Jean needed to be stretchered off, but gave a thumbs up to let everyone know that he's okay.

"#Lions3R Jonathan Yantsis received a game misconduct following this hit against #Admirals Darick Louis-Jean.

Louis-Jean was stretchered off the ice, giving a thumbs up." Chris G of The Hockey News said.

Following the hit, Darick Louis-Jean was taken to a local hospital and this morning, the Norfolk Admirals announced that he has been released and was cleared by doctors.

"UPDATE | Darick Louis-Jean was transported to a local hospital last night. He was cleared by the doctors and released earlier this morning. Darick and the Admirals organization would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers. 🙏" The Admirals said.

At the time of writing this, there has been no update from the ECHL on any supplemental discipline for Jonathan Yantsis, but there's no doubt they are reviewing it and that the Trois-Rivieres Lions forward could be facing a lengthy ban.