Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette found himself in a dangerous and chaotic situation at a Scottsdale restaurant over the weekend when he was assaulted by a group of seven men during an altercation. Bissonnette, who enjoyed a career with the Phoenix Coyotes and now works as a hockey analyst and podcaster, shared his experience in a video on social media platform X.
The incident took place at Houston’s restaurant, a regular spot for Bissonnette. As he was dining, he noticed some commotion at the bar. According to Bissonnette, a group of intoxicated golfers was involved in a heated dispute that intensified after one individual refused to leave when asked by the management.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Bissonnette stepped in and intervened. “I grabbed the guy’s arm that was on [the manager]. I said, ‘Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we’re gonna have problems,’” he recounted. However, his efforts quickly led to a brawl that escalated unexpectedly, with Bissonnette facing off against the group.
The fight extended from the restaurant to the parking lot and eventually made its way to a nearby CVS. Despite sustaining some blows, including being kicked in the head multiple times, Bissonnette did not suffer life-threatening injuries and was subsequently treated at a hospital.
Scottsdale police confirmed that they responded promptly to the scene and arrested six out of the seven individuals involved in the assault, who now face charges for assault and disorderly conduct. Bissonnette expressed his gratitude toward the restaurant staff and law enforcement for their swift response.
Reflecting on the situation, Bissonnette labeled the aggressors as “bad dudes” who were overly intoxicated and noted the inappropriateness of their behavior in a family dining setting. He expressed his anger regarding the incident, highlighting the need for accountability in such scenarios.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in public spaces, and it highlights the critical role that individuals like Bissonnette can play in attempting to uphold order, even when faced with significant challenges.
While the altercation was undoubtedly distressing, Bissonnette’s determination to intervene in the face of disorder reflects a commendable sense of responsibility and bravery that could inspire others to take a stand against inappropriate behavior in similar situations.