Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette was hospitalized following an altercation involving seven men during a weekend brawl at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bissonnette, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes and now works as a hockey analyst and podcaster, detailed the incident in a video posted on X.
On Sunday night, while dining at Houston’s, Bissonnette noticed a commotion starting at the bar, driven by a group of intoxicated golfers. According to him, the situation escalated when one of the individuals refused to leave after causing disturbances. This prompted Bissonnette to intervene, attempting to diffuse the tension; however, he ended up in a physical confrontation as the situation rapidly deteriorated.
The brawl spilled from the restaurant into the parking lot and later into a nearby CVS. Bissonnette faced multiple attackers but fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He reported being struck several times but managed to avoid being knocked out. Despite the violence, he expressed gratitude towards the restaurant staff and the police, who promptly arrived and arrested six of the seven assailants.
The Scottsdale Police Department confirmed that the individuals involved had assaulted Bissonnette and charged the arrested men with assault and disorderly conduct. Reflecting on the ordeal, Bissonnette expressed his frustration with the behavior exhibited, characterizing the attackers as “bad dudes” who were overly intoxicated and disruptive.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of public altercations, especially in family-friendly environments. Nevertheless, Bissonnette’s quick thinking and willingness to intervene demonstrate courage, and it’s fortunate that the situation did not end more severely.
In the end, the positive takeaway is that prompt police action prevented further escalation and serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another in public spaces. Bissonnette’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights the importance of standing against unacceptable behavior in all environments.