A former hockey player with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League avoided jail time Monday when a judge ruled he should not serve time, probation or pay a fine after assaulting another player last year.
"The law is set up that way. Somebody may be found technically guilty of something or found guilty, but doesn't deserve a punishment," explained defence lawyer Richard Shadley.
The 18-year-old man was found guilty last year of assault with a weapon after he repeatedly cross-checked another player in the face during a brawl in a hockey game.
The teenager can not be named because was under 18 at the time of the assault.
In his sentencing, the judge said he couldn't give the young man a tougher sentence than what was given to NHL players like Marty McSorley or Todd Bertuzzi.
McSorley, a former Boston Bruin, was found guilty of assault with a weapon in 2000 after an attack on Donald Brashear. He served no jail time.
Todd Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm in 2004 after punching Steve Moore in the back of the head during a Vancouver-Colorado game. Bertuzzi was given a conditional discharge and one year's probation.
As for the Quebec teenager, the prosecution asked for probation at the very least, but the victim's father says he's satisfied with the sentence.
"My son did this to serve as an education for young players and (show) that hockey is not an excuse to do everything on the ice," he said.
The defendant has since given up hockey and moved to the United States.
The victim continues to play hockey.
