Oct 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle (22) is taken off the ice after being injured during the first period against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

According to NHL.com, St. Louis Blues center Maxim Lapierre has been offered an in-person hearing with the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety to face a review for the hit on San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle.

As per Rule 18.9 in the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement: If the preliminary review that a suspension of six (6) or more games may be appropriate and/or further investigation is required, an in-person hearing will be conducted.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that Lapierre will face a six plus game suspension for the hit; however, being that he is a repeat offender, the odds are most definitely not in his favor.

In case you missed the horrible incident that resulted in Boyle being taken of the ice on a stretcher and sent to a local hospital, here is a look. I warn you, it’s not pretty.



Lapierre is seen checking Boyle from behind, sending his face slamming into the dasher board. After the hit, Lapierre seems to feel like there was no wrongdoing; however, he was given a 5 minute major for Checking From Behind, a 5 minute major for fighting with Sharks center Andrew Desjardins, and a 10 minute misconduct penalty.

Dan Boyle remained on the ice, not moving for several minutes. As I said before, he was eventually taken from the ice on a stretcher and sent to Barnes-Jewish Hospital where he was kept overnight.

Lapierre will remain suspended until the date of his hearing, which is yet to be determined.