A Fort McMurray-born hockey player with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) has been suspended from the association for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season.
The SJHL made the announcement on Sunday saying “Due to a recent video that has surfaced with Greg Muhall speaking with disrespect and profanity lased words towards Melville goalie Berk Berkeliev, the Saskatchewan Jr Hockey League and the Yorkton Terriers are severing ties with Mulhall for the remainder of the 19-20 hockey season.”
Yorkton Terriers forward Greg Mulhall was already serving a 25 game suspension for a hit on Melville Millionaires goalie Berk Berkeliev on Sept. 14.
The #SJHL suspends Yorkton Terriers Greg Mulhall 25 games for this hit on Melville Millionaires goaltender Berk Berkeliev pic.twitter.com/gs3kGun7L4
— Here’s Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) September 16, 2019
Berkeliev, who is from Calgary, left his crease to play the puck near the blue line when Mulhall ran into the unsuspecting goaltender, whose helmet went flying as he fell backwards onto the ice.
Mulhall then posted a profanity-laced video to social media boasting the hit which sent Berkeliev to the hospital.
@TSN_Sports @BarDown @barstoolsports @SportsCentre Can we make this video go viral pic.twitter.com/E272dkrHKb
— Bradley McCallum (@Bradleey9) September 29, 2019
Berkeliev spent one night in hospital and needed eight to 10 stitches on his face and upper lip, along with five on the back of his head. He also lost several teeth and suffered from a concussion.
SJHL president Bill Chow said he became aware of the video on Sunday, called the Yorkton Terriers and together they made the decision to drop Mulhall.
Berkeliev told The Canadian Press that he’s focused on recovering from his head injury and that “what happened on the ice and how (Mulhall) responded is between him, the hockey gods and the league regulations.”
Mat Hehr, coach and general manager of the Terriers said earlier this month that Mulhall regretted his actions.
The SJHL did not say if Mulhall will be eligible to return next season.
With files from The Canadian Press
