The Canadian Hockey League has suspended Chicoutimi Sagueneens defenceman Jordan Tourigny for the remainder of the Memorial Cup after he stomped on the skate of Kitchener Rangers forward Christian Humphreys during a battle for the puck Tuesday night.
The 21-year-old blueliner received a match penalty for his actions in his team’s 3-2 loss. He brought his left skate down three times on the foot of Humphreys, who left the game and did not return.
“All discipline matters, along with officiating assignments, at the 2026 Memorial Cup are handled by the NHL. Following its review, the NHL recommended that Tourigny be suspended for the duration of the tournament,” the CHL said in a release.
“That recommendation was accepted by the Memorial Cup Games Committee and the CHL Executive Council.
“The suspension is effective immediately. The CHL will not be providing further comment on this matter.”
The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League put out a statement early Wednesday morning calling for an end to online abuse directed at Tourigny.
“Jordan Tourigny made a regrettable play in the third period, one he deeply regrets,” the league said hours after the final whistle. “However, the hate, threats, and violent messages being directed at him on social media have absolutely no place in our game or in our community.
“Our players are young athletes between the ages of 16 and 20. They deserve respect and support, even in difficult moments. Hockey is a game. Please treat these players with dignity. Thank you.”
Kitchener head coach Jussi Ahokas, who had no update on Humphreys’ status, did not hold back when addressing Tourigny’s actions following his team’s win.
“Well, that’s a cowardice play stomping with the skate. That’s not tough hockey, that’s coward hockey, that’s not in our values,” Ahokas said. “If someone does that, that’s cheap, cheapest thing (that) you can do in hockey for me.”
“... I like tough hockey, I like physical hockey, but that’s nothing to do with playing well.”
The Rangers clinched a spot in the Memorial Cup final with their win on Tuesday, while the Sagueneens dropped to 1-2.
