Ryan Hartman Faces Multi Game Suspension For Throwing Stick At Referee

Photo credit: NHL

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman faces a potential suspension after an incident in Saturday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he allegedly threw his stick at the referee.

Late in the game, Hartman was slapped with a 10-minute misconduct penalty by NHL officials, leading to his ejection. Though the cameras didn’t catch the specific exchange, the consequences could be significant.
«Not sure to what extent (fine or worse), but sounds like #mnwild’s Ryan Hartman will be hearing from the NHL for his misconduct at game’s end. I didn’t see it, but apparently he chucked his stick in the refs’ direction. He was incensed bc he was high-sticked by Noah Hanifin in final minute of regulation. Not sure how it was missed.»

According to reports from Minnesota Wild insider Mike Russo, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety is contemplating a mandatory three-game suspension for Hartman. Allegedly, Hartman showed his frustration by tossing his stick toward one of the officials after being hit by an uncalled high stick from Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin.

The incident falls under NHL rule 40.4, which mandates a suspension of at least three games for any player who physically demeans or threatens an official by throwing equipment, shooting the puck, spitting, or applying physical force.

NHL rule 40.4

Any player who, by his actions, physically demeans an official or physically threatens an official by (but not limited to) throwing a stick or any other piece of equipment or object at or in the general direction of an official, shooting the puck at or in the general direction of an official, spitting at or in the general direction of an official, or who deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall be suspended for not less than three (3) games.
Given the straightforward language of the rule, it seems probable that Hartman will face disciplinary action, pending the Department of Player Safety’s final decision.