Victoire’s Catherine Dubois suspended one game for illegal hit to head of Fleet’s Megan Keller
On Friday, the PWHL Player Safety Committee announced that Montreal Victoire forward Catherine Dubois has been suspended one game for an illegal hit to the head on Boston Fleet defender Megan Keller.
The incident happened in a spirited contest between the two teams on Dec. 30. As time ticked off the clock near the end of the second period, Dubois threw a hit on Keller that caught the U.S. National Team star in the head.
Dubois was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the act. Keller was able to return for the third period after gingerly leaving the ice.
The Victoire went on to win the game, 3-1.
In a video sent out by the league, the PSC stated that contact to the head was avoidable, as it was clear that Dubois was looking to deliver a check rather than go for the puck.
This is the first time in Dubois’ PWHL career that she has faced any supplemental discipline. It means she will have to miss the first leg of Montreal’s western road trip as the team kicks off the Takeover Tour on Sunday in Seattle against the Fleet. The 29-year-old will be eligible to return to the lineup on Jan. 8, when the Victoire faces the Toronto Sceptres in Vancouver.
Through five appearances this season, Dubois has registered one assist, that coming in Montreal’s shootout win over the Sceptres on Dec. 21. During the league’s inaugural season, the former University of Montreal product scored two goals and six points in 21 games.
It is the second suspension so far this season in the PWHL. Sceptres defender Rylind MacKinnon was also banned for a game after hitting Victoire defender Amanda Boulier.
The Victoire (3-2-0-1) are second in the league, one point back of the Minnesota Frost for first place.