Nashville Predators
Zachary L’Heureux Suspended After Brawling With Several Manitoba Players
It’s no secret that Nashville Predators prospect and Milwaukee Admirals forward Zachary L’Heureux has a bit of a temper.
So, it came as no surprise that L’Heureux found himself in a scuffle at the end of Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the Manitoba Moose, in which he brawled with multiple players and earned himself a one-game suspension, as announced by the AHL Player Safety Committee on Thursday.
It’s the second time L’Heureux has been suspended this season. He missed two games at the end of December for a cheap shot on Rockford forward Colton Dach.
His 140 penalty minutes leads Milwaukee by a wide margin and ranks third in the AHL behind San Jose’s Scott Sabourin (150) and Las Vegas’ Garrett Wilson (149).
L’Heureux’s latest skirmish started after the final whistle blew in Wednesday’s game when he shoved Manitoba forward Parker Ford from behind right in front of the crease. He then hit Ford with a glove to the face before being swarmed by several Moose players as the officials tried to break up the scuffle.
Manitoba’s Jeffey Viel then went after L’Heureux, hitting him with several shots as he tried to wrestle him to the ice. L’Heureux then lost his helmet, broke free from the pile, jumped on Manitoba defenseman Simon Lundmark and held him in a headlock before disengaging only to turn around and drop the gloves with Ford.
didn't go down without a fight … literally pic.twitter.com/MG5Th0IPTe
— Milwaukee Admirals (@mkeadmirals) March 7, 2024
The two exchanged punches for roughly 30 seconds before being separated by officials. L’Heureux was assessed an instigator penalty, which automatically comes with a one-game suspension. He will miss the Admirals March 9 game against grand Rapids.
Through 48 games, L’Heureux has tallied 15 goals and 39 points. He ranks third on the Admirals in both categories. He’s also got two power-play goals and 108 shots on goal as well.
Follow Michael Gallagher on X/Twitter @MGsports_
Be sure to follow Nashville Hockey Now on X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.