Catherine Dubois Suspended for Illegal Hit

In a significant turn of events, Catherine Dubois, the forward for Montreal Victoire, has been handed a one-game suspension by the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) for an illegal hit to the head. The league made this announcement on Friday, following a major penalty and a game misconduct decision during Montreal's recent 3-1 victory over the Boston Fleet.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred when Dubois made contact with Boston defender Megan Keller, who took a severe fall near the boards at the end of the second period. Thankfully, Keller managed to return to play in the third period, but the impact of the hit has brought serious scrutiny on Dubois’ actions. This incident raises an important conversation about player safety and the increasing need for stringent measures to protect athletes in contact sports.

Impact on Dubois and the Team

As for Dubois, she has only recorded one assist in five games so far this season. The upcoming suspension means she will miss an essential game against the Fleet this Sunday in Seattle, a part of the PWHL’s ambitious 'Takeover Tour,' which aims to broaden the league's footprint ahead of potential expansion next season.

Current Standing of Montreal Victoire

Currently, the Montreal Victoire are enjoying a solid four-game winning streak, placing them second in the league standings with 13 points—just one point shy of the Minnesota Frost, although they hold a game in hand. As the league progresses, all eyes will be on how the Victoire cope without Dubois in their quest for the championship.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more developments in this evolving story and broader implications for the PWHL as they navigate player conduct and league expansion!