Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette found himself hospitalized after a violent altercation involving seven men at a Scottsdale restaurant over the weekend. Bissonnette, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes and now works as a hockey analyst and podcaster, recounted the incident in a video he posted on X, detailing how the confrontation escalated at Houston’s restaurant, a frequent haunt for him.
While dining on Sunday night, Bissonnette noticed a disturbance at the bar involving a group of intoxicated golfers. As tensions rose, he observed one individual confronting the restaurant’s manager. “Things obviously continued to escalate,” Bissonnette remarked, noting the manager’s shocked reaction to the situation.
In an effort to prevent further harassment, Bissonnette intervened by addressing the disruptive patron directly. However, the situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to a physical confrontation where Bissonnette found himself outnumbered. The conflict spilled out of the restaurant, moving into the parking lot and eventually including a nearby CVS.
Bissonnette described how he was taken down multiple times and sustained several kicks to the head but was fortunate to avoid a knockout. He did receive treatment at a hospital for injuries that were fortunately not life-threatening. “Took some, gave more,” he said, expressing gratitude toward the restaurant staff and local police for their swift response, which led to the arrest of six out of seven aggressors.
The Scottsdale Police confirmed the assault and noted that the detained individuals face charges related to assault and disorderly conduct. Bissonnette expressed his displeasure at the “unacceptable behavior” displayed in a family environment, attributing their actions to excessive drunkenness.
Despite the incident being distressing, Bissonnette’s resilience and quick response underscore the importance of standing up against inappropriate behavior in public spaces. This experience serves as a reminder of the necessity for safety and respect in communal venues.
Overall, while the violence was unfortunate, it highlighted Bissonnette’s willingness to protect others, demonstrating character in an alarming situation. His story can inspire others to take a stand against misconduct, while also advocating for responsible behavior in social settings.