A very alarming moment occurred during the game between the Ottawa 67’s and the Guelph Storm on Sunday, February 2.
The 67’s began the game with a 2-1 lead over the Storm after the first period. However, Quinn Beauchesne, a highly ranked skater for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft according to NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, scored his fifth goal of the season, tying the game as both rebuilding teams headed into the third period.
Ottawa’s captain and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, Luca Pinelli, then scored from a sharp angle against Guelph’s young goaltender, Colin Ellsworth, to regain the lead for his team.
Related: Guelph Forward Commits To NCAA School
Unfortunately, in the third period, Pinelli and Beauchesne collided during a board battle, resulting in a concerning situation for the draft-eligible defender.
Pinelli was hit in the corner and took a couple of cross-checks from Beauchesne’s defense partner Grant Spada.
The Ottawa forward is known for his fiery playstyle, but his temper ran a little too hot this time. And he is paying the consequences.
While running hot, Pinelli delivered a high hit on Beauchesne while battling for the puck along the boards behind his net. His hit came up high and knocked Beauchesne out cold.
The hit is in the video clip below:
This was obviously a very scary moment for the Storm defender, who skated off the ice on his own.
However, Pinelli was assessed a five-minute major match penalty for a check to the head.
After the OHL’s Department of Player Safety finished their reviewing process of the hit, they assessed the Blue Jackets prospect a four game suspension.
#OHL Disciplinary Action:
Ottawa’s Luca Pinelli has been suspended for four games as a result of actions (Match, Check to the Head) on Feb. 2nd at Guelph.
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 6, 2025
The 67’s were without their captain and clearly missed him for their game on Wednesday, Feb. 5, as they were pummelled 8-1 by the Oshawa Generals.
Related: Oshawa Generals Forward Continues Bounce Back Campaign Registering His First Three-Point Night
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