Suspension to Neilson reduced

BOUCHERVILLE -- Following a hearing held with both parties, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Commissioner Gilles Courteau has reduced from three to two games the suspension given to Eric Neilson of the Rimouski Oceanic last Friday by Disciplinary Prefect Maurice Filion. The Rimouski Oceanic had appealed Mr. Filion's decision.

Before announcing his decision, Mr. Courteau consulted the QMJHL referees' reports and watched the videotape of the incident.

Eric Neilson's reprehensible actions happened during the fourth game of the semi-final series between the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and the Rimouski Oceanic. Neilson hit Sagueneens goaltender Brandon Verge with his stick, along with attacking defenseman Louis-Etienne Leblanc. Mr. Filion made his decision public on Friday, April 28.

Eric Neilson collided with goaltender Brandon Verge unintentionally. Afterwards, he attacked player Louis-Etienne Neilson. The QMJHL can not tolerate a player using his stick to try to hit a player from the opposing team, even though no injury resulted from it. The punch delivered by Eric Neilson to Louis-Etienne Leblanc of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens is a reprehensible act of violence that deserves disciplinary measures.