Alexander Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals, was recently fined $5,000 by the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest amount permitted by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for spearing Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic during a game on March 3, 2021.
In the latter part of the third period, Ovechkin struck Frederic in the crotch with a spear. Ovechkin’s slashing during the game earned him a minor penalty. The fine was announced the next day by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, which emphasized the league’s dedication to upholding proper conduct and sportsmanship on the ice.
Ovechkin’s record of disciplinary actions is now complete with this fine. Notably, he hit Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek illegally in 2012, earning him a three-game suspension. In 2010, he was also suspended for two games for boarding Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brian Campbell.
The NHL’s measures are a reminder of how crucial it is to keep the sport respectful and professional. The league is vigilant in addressing behavior that compromises player safety and integrity, which it continues to emphasize.