Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette was hospitalized for a short time on Sunday following a confrontation with several men at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bissonnette, a former player for the Arizona Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins who is currently an analyst for Turner Sports, recounted the incident on social media.
While dining at Houston’s restaurant, Bissonnette noticed a heated argument between some patrons and the restaurant manager, who seemed startled by the situation. Bissonnette described the scene on social media, expressing his concern for the manager: “It’s a family restaurant. I don’t think there was anybody in there who could go maybe like help him out.” He intervened by grabbing one of the assailants and warning him about continuing to harass the staff. The situation escalated rapidly, involving a total of seven individuals in the altercation.
Despite sustaining a few injuries, Bissonnette reassured his followers that he was okay. He commented, “It sucks. I got kicked in the face a couple times, but it could have been a lot worse.” Reports indicate that six men were arrested, with five facing misdemeanor charges and one with a felony charge.
Bissonnette expressed his frustrations about the disturbing behavior, describing the aggressors as “bad dudes” who were overly intoxicated. He voiced a strong desire for accountability, stating, “I’m very, very angry at these guys and kind of want their names out there and want them to pay the piper. Just unacceptable behavior at a family restaurant just because they couldn’t grab another cocktail and didn’t want to hear ‘No’ for an answer.”
This incident sheds light on the importance of intervening in situations where others may be in distress. Bissonnette’s actions demonstrate bravery and a sense of responsibility, reminding us that standing up for what’s right can sometimes come at a personal cost. This serves as a hopeful reminder that we can all play a role in fostering a safe and respectful environment in public spaces.