Former NHLer Facing Lengthy Suspension after All-out Attack on Opponent

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TJ Tucker
December 29, 2023 (10:45)

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Nick Ritchie pins down opponent before repeatedly punching him in the head

Photo credit: SM Liiga

Someone needs to tell Nick Ritchie to calm down. The former NHLer is facing a lengthy suspension in Europe after what appeared to be a completely unwarranted attack on an opponent.

Ritchie. who now plays for Karpat of the Finnish Elite League, was given a five minute major and a game misconduct after brutally punching Markus Nurmea of TPS in the head several times while pinning him to the ice.

There doesn't appear to be any major reason why Ritchie went off, except for being taken off the puck cleanly and not appreciating it. Fans are reacting harshly online.

"I think it's time for Nick Ritchie to re-evaluate his life choices after this gutless multiple shots to the head with his glove ok and his actual hockey stick in hand.

Like dude, what?"

Ritchie was the 10th overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2014. He never really lived up to the hype of being a high pick, and floated around from Anaheim to Boston, Toronto, Arizona, and Calgary before signing in Europe for the 2023-24 season. SM-Liiga said its disciplinary committee is now reviewing the play to determine the proper punishment.

"Former NHLer Nick Ritchie (#11 in White Jersey) repeatedly punches opponent in the head because he knocked him off the puck cleanly...?

He received a major penalty and a game misconduct.
This is pretty gutless."

Previously on Bladeofsteel

Former NHLer passes away at 53-years-old

Vegas Golden Knights looking to move on from veteran defender due to cap constraints

Former NHL defenceman retires at 36, becomes coach

POLL
29 DECEMBRE \| 297 ANSWERS Former NHLer Facing Lengthy Suspension after All-out Attack on Opponent What should be Ritchie's pucnishment?
1 to 3 games	84	28.3 %
3 to 6 games	46	15.5 %
6 to 10 games	47	15.8 %
10+ games	120	40.4 %
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