Hockey player banned for life after slugging linesman
It takes a lot to be banned from a sport for life.
And while for Nipissing University’s Brett Cook “banned for life” only means for the remainder of his collegiate career in Ontario, the defenseman more than earned his punishment.
In a February playoff loss to UQTR in Quebec, Cook got into an on-ice skirmish with a member of the opposing team. When the fight stopped, linesman Nicholas Piche attempted to take Cook to the penalty box.
One problem: Cook was having none of it.
According to a statement obtained by the Toronto Sun, Cook punched Piche square in the face, a blow that knocked the official to the ice.
Here’s video of the vicious blow that was later released:
Cook, who had four years of eligibility remaining in the Ontario Hockey League after the 2012-13 season, issued an apology to the linesman following the altercation. Although it seems like too little too late for the defenseman at this point.
“What I did was wrong, plain and simple,” Cook said in the release. “My actions were unacceptable and I take full responsibility. My teammates, coaches and I are thankful that Mr. Piche was not hurt. I am deeply sorry for my actions, for embarrassing my university, the OUA, the CIS and the dignity of the game of hockey and I fully accept the sanctions determined by the OUA.”
