The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has approved new rules that dole out stiffer punishments for fighting.
All players involved in a fight will now receive a 10-minute misconduct penalty and a five-minute major. Previously, players were assessed only the five-minute major penalty.
Anyone deemed to be an instigator will also get a two-minute minor.
The amended rules will see players automatically handed a one-game suspension after their third fight, plus another game suspension for each additional skirmish.
The changes will be in effect when the regular season begins on Thursday.
Commissioner Gilles Courteau said he personally wants to see fewer fights across the QMJHL.
“It’s very important to protect our players, to make sure he’s playing in a safe environment. And today in the hockey business, the way that the game has improved, it’s based on speed, skill [not fighting],” Corteau told reporters Wednesday.
The stiffer penalties come after Isabelle Charest, the minister responsible for sport in Quebec, called on the league to ban fighting.
The league is seeking $20 million in government assistance to help cover revenue lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corteau said the rule changes were not a condition for receiving financial support from the province.
“That part of the discussion I had with the sports minister was very clear. She said to me `I will never impose anything to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League,”‘ he said.
The commissioner added that the minister asked him to look at the rules and see if there was a way to reduce the number of concussions in the league.
“I gave her my word that I would work on it, which I did,” Corteau said.
The league is asking Quebec for financial assistance because provincial health officials have said they cannot have fans in the stands when the season begins this week, Corteau said.
“The financial support from the Quebec government was important for us to have our teams back on the ice at the right time,” he said.
The situation is different for the six Maritimes-based teams, where some spectators will be allowed, Corteau added.
The QMJHL was forced to cut its 2019-20 season short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.