Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette was hospitalized after a violent altercation involving seven men at a Scottsdale restaurant over the weekend. Bissonnette, who is known for his time with the Phoenix Coyotes and his current work as a hockey analyst and podcaster, shared details of the incident through a video on social media.
The brawl occurred at Houston’s, a restaurant Bissonnette frequently visits. While dining on Sunday night, he witnessed a disturbance at the bar caused by a group of intoxicated golfers. According to Bissonnette, when the restaurant manager attempted to remove one of the disruptive individuals, he was met with aggression.
Bissonnette intervened, attempting to calm the situation by addressing the escalating conflict. Unfortunately, his efforts to defuse the tension resulted in him being attacked by the group. The confrontation quickly escalated, spilling from the restaurant into the parking lot and eventually to a nearby CVS store.
Although he sustained injuries—including getting kicked in the head multiple times—Bissonnette stated that his injuries were non-life-threatening and he was grateful it wasn’t worse. He expressed his appreciation for the restaurant staff and the rapid response of law enforcement, who arrested six of the seven men involved in the incident.
The Scottsdale Police confirmed that the men have been charged with assault and disorderly conduct following the altercation. Bissonnette voiced his frustration over the unacceptable behavior exhibited in a family-friendly environment, emphasizing that such aggression should not occur simply because individuals mismanaged their alcohol consumption.
In summary, this incident highlights the challenges establishments face with intoxicated patrons and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all guests. Bissonnette’s quick intervention, despite the adverse outcome, reflects a commitment to community safety and the courage it takes to stand up against wrongdoing, which can inspire others to act similarly in the face of violence. It’s a reminder of the need for accountability among individuals who disrupt public spaces.