Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara and Montreal Canadiens Max Pacioretty case investigation completed
Prosecutors involved in the Boston Bruins captain, Zdeno Chara, hit on Montreal Canadiens forward, Max Pacioretty, case received the investigation files on August 10th, as police completed their preliminary probe and compiled all evidence to enable
a trial to takeoff.
The hit dates back to early March as Zdeno Chara, during a regular season ice hockey matchup in Montreal, smashed with Max Pacioretty into the sideboards, a move which was later termed as legal by National Hockey League (NHL) authorities, but was registered
as a criminal offence by citizens of Montreal.
Pacioretty sustained a severe concussion and fractured his fourth cervical vertebrae, but luckily, was not displaced and could be repaired with surgery. These multiple injuries caused Pacioretty to remain ousted for the remaining few months of the 2010-2011
regular season along with the playoffs as well in which Montreal Canadiens faced elimination by Boston Bruins in round-one of Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
A well known lawyer from the city, Jean-Pierre Rancourt, gave his opinion on the matter, terming it intentional, something which could be easily noticed on the replay of the act.
"Chara had to know that his act could result in a serious injury and he still decided to finish his body check", Rancourt said.
Rancourt might have personally wanted to press charges, but according to him, it will be tough for the prosecutors to prove his intention while performing the act, looking at the fact that the NHL have already acquitted him in all sense.
Even if Chara is not prosecuted, the case will also have a symbolic meaning, which could be kept to serve as an example for cases similar to this one later on.
"Even if Chara were acquitted, it would show players that they have a responsibility to know what they're doing on the ice and that they can't just do anything they want", Rancourt added.
He also termed the NHL as partly responsible in the process.
"It's unfortunate, because the NHL isn't taking its responsibilities and is letting these kinds of things slide while players are getting very seriously hurt", said Rancourt.
A decision whether to pursue trial or not will be decided by local prosecution, developments which are expected in upcoming weeks.
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