Winnipeg Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon underwent a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Wednesday, February 7th, due to the illegal check to the head performed on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari. This unfortunate event occurred during NHL Game No. 788 the day prior at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The Department announced that he would be suspended for the subsequent games without pay.
Brenden Dillon: What Happened During The Game
Brenden Dillon has been suspended for three games for this hit on Noel Acciari.pic.twitter.com/Z7aBfUji3k
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 7, 2024
During the second period of the game at 4:15, Brenden Dillion caused the incident against Noel Acciari. As Acciari was taking the puck across the centerline toward the Jets’ defensive zone, Dillon collided with him using his left shoulder, causing a massive blow to Acciari’s head. Their impact was hard enough to send Acciari—and his helmet—flying to the ice.
The hit fell under the two main criteria necessary underneath the official NHL Rulebook Rule 48.1 to call an illegal check. Firstly, Acciari’s head was the main point of contact. Secondly, the contact was avoidable. This is because Acciari was in the low position of delivering the puck for quite some time, and Dillon delivered the blow despite this knowledge. Of course, it was taken into consideration if this location was targeted or if it was just unfortunate timing. It was also determined that Dillon did not need to adjust himself into such an offensive position to avoid a hit himself.
Dillon was immediately assessed as a game misconduct. Subsequently, he did not finish the game. Sadly for the Jets, the game also ended with the Jets’ 3-0 shutout.
The Consequences Brenden Dillon Will See
Brenden Dillon with a BRUTAL hit to the head of Noel Acciari ?
Dillon has been ejected from the game. pic.twitter.com/t04GVtOmw1
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 7, 2024
Along with a 3-game suspension, Dillon has also been fined for the incident. Based on his average annual salary, he will end up losing around $60,937.50, NHL.com reports. This is concluded under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund will receive all money forfeited by Dillon.
How Is Acciari Doing?
Noel Acciari suffered an undisclosed injury because of the check. The severity or nature of the injury is still unknown. However, Mike Sullivan, the Pittsburgh Penguin’s coach, said, “He’s doing OK, but he’s being evaluated right now.” After he commented on the league, Sullivan continued to say, “Our major concern is Noel and his health, and he seems to be doing OK.”
Because of this automatic suspension, it is unclear whether Brenden Dillon will attend the match against the Penguins this coming Saturday in Winnipeg.
Updates on Noel Acciari’s health and condition, along with Brenden Dillon’s suspension duration, will be updated on our NHL Page as more news comes out.
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