The Ontario Hockey League swiftly responded to a heated incident following a recent game, issuing a two-game suspension to Barrie Colts’ standout defenceman, Kashawn Aitcheson.
The suspension stems from an altercation with a fan immediately after a shootout loss to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Video footage clearly shows Aitcheson emptying his water bottle onto a spectator as he left the ice, igniting a firestorm of discussion.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Colts squandered a 3-1 lead, ultimately falling to the Greyhounds in a dramatic shootout. Tensions flared immediately after the final buzzer, with players from both teams exchanging heated words and nearly coming to blows.
As the Colts headed to the locker room, a fan, clad in a red jersey and backwards hat, aggressively confronted the players. The exact nature of the fan’s taunts remains unclear, but it escalated quickly, culminating in Aitcheson’s reaction.
The OHL’s decision referenced a rule specifically addressing interactions with spectators. The league’s rulebook mandates penalties for any player who physically interferes with, alters with, or throws objects at fans, leaving the Commissioner with the authority to impose further discipline.
Beyond Aitcheson, the league also handed down a one-game suspension to Soo Greyhounds player Blake Arrowsmith for slashing, and another to Spencer Evans for inciting the conflict.
Aitcheson’s suspension comes at a critical juncture in his season. He currently leads all OHL defencemen in goals with 15 and ranks second in points with 24, riding a seven-game point streak that will now be interrupted.
He will be sidelined for upcoming games against Saginaw and Peterborough, leaving a noticeable void in the Colts’ lineup and pausing his impressive offensive run.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions that can boil over in competitive sports, and the league’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both players and fans.
