Former NHL star suspended after hitting referee in the head with water bottle

05 March 2023 , 20:12

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Kasimir Kaskisuo launched a water bottle at a referee

A referee was struck by a water bottle after Swedish Hockey League goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo lost his cool during a 3-2 defeat.

The former NHL star was furious after their 2-0 lead was wiped out by Swedish side HV71, and took his frustrations out on an official as he launched his water bottle. The bottle hit the referee towards the back of the head, and Kaskisuo instantly received a match penalty and an ejection from the rest of the game.

Following the stunning incident, Kaskisuo picked up a five-game suspension and was fined 23,750 Swedish krona - equivalent to £1900. Kaskisuo quickly apologised after calming down, and feels "embarrassed" about the events that occurred on Thursday night.

Kaskisuo was a former goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators in the NHL, but now plays his trade as a back-up net minder over in Sweden. The 29-year-old was put in goal as his side Leksands IF have already secured a play-off spot, with starting goaltender Mantas Armalis handed a rest.

But he may very well have made his last appearance of the season, as his five-game ban will see him miss their three final regular season games, and also the first two play-off clashes. Kaskisuo has apologised for his moment of madness, but admitted that some bad calls led to his outburst.

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"After an obvious too many men on the ice and/or offside in the same situation, I let in a poor goal in an important loss, and my emotions and frustration took over," Kaskisuo said. "As an athlete on the highest level, I should handle these things in another way.

"In this case I didn’t, and for that I’m very sorry and feel embarrassed about it. I apologise to the referee, my team-mates, the organisation, and the fans."

Kaskisuo only spent a short stint in the NHL (David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The SHL issued a statement after handing Kaskisuo a suspension, which read: "All forms of improper body contact against a referee or other official must be punished with game misconduct on the ice (Rule 40.1) and reported to the disciplinary committee. The footage shows that Kasimir Kaskisuo picks up his water bottle after the final whistle and throws it at the referee, who is some distance away with his back to Kaskisuo.

"The bottle hits the referee’s head. Kaskisuo shall be punished for physical abuse of officials and shall lead to a suspension in accordance with the decision above. Kaskisuo must also pay a fine in the amount stated in the decision."

Kaskisuo was undrafted in the NHL, and made his debut for the Maple Leafs back in 2019. He conceded six goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his opening game, and was later used sparingly by the Predators before being released.

Joseph McBride