Spezza, Pionk to have kneeing hearings after testy Leafs-Jets affair

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk will both have hearings for kneeing, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Monday.

Spezza's hearing will be in-person, meaning the league can suspend him more than five games. Pionk's hearing will be over the phone Monday.

Both players threw controversial hits in Sunday's chippy affair. Pionk caught Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin with a knee, and Spezza retaliated while Pionk was in a vulnerable position soon after.

Sandin left the game unable to put weight on his leg. There's been no update on his status to this point.

Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds also received a $2,500 fine for cross-checking Jets forward Jansen Harkins.

Winnipeg won the contest 6-3.

Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *