LES PERREAUX
Globe and Mail Update
July 31, 2008 at 11:39 AM EDT
Montreal — The son of hockey legend Patrick Roy has been charged with assault for his part in an infamous hockey brawl last season.
Saguenay, Que., police confirmed a single charge of assault was laid against Jonathan Roy this morning in Quebec court.
The younger Roy, a goaltender for the Quebec Remparts, is the only player or coach charged in the incident March 22 when he stormed across the ice to pound on the opposing goaltender, Bobby Nadeau.
Jonathan Roy and his father Patrick were suspended for the incident.
“The investigation of this case is now closed,” said Saguenay public security spokesman Jean Boily, adding that no other charges are pending.
Jonathan Roy is scheduled to return to court Sept. 16.
Images of the hockey brawl were replayed around the world and ignited a debate over hockey violence. Patrick Roy, a former NHL star and hockey icon in Quebec, came under severe criticism. While his son denied Patrick Roy pushed him to fight, television images showed the coach waving on his son.
Mr. Nadeau, the goaltender for Chicoutimi Saguenéens, accepted the blows without resistance. His heavily favoured team was eliminated by the Remparts.
Mr. Nadeau later explained his coach, Richard Martel, had instructed him to simply protect himself should a brawl break out.
Pressed by the provincial government, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League president Gilles Courteau promised to crack down on hockey violence.
