Former NHL player and current broadcaster Paul Bissonnette found himself at the center of a violent squabble this past Sunday evening at a Scottsdale restaurant. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the altercation took place at Houston's restaurant around 7:30 p.m. where the retired Arizona Coyotes left winger attempted to play peacemaker before being attacked.
Reportedly, Bissonnette, who frequents the restaurant three to four times a week, was trying to assist the management in diffusing a tense situation with a group of men, leading to his assault, both inside and outside the venue. As the situation heated up, intended to help, Bissonnette grabbed the arm of one of the men getting aggressive with the manager, resulting in punches thrown. "Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we're going to have problems. They just started chuckin'," Bissonnette said in a video addressing the incident, a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The Scottsdale Police Department has confirmed that six men were arrested following the incident, and they face charges of assault and disorderly conduct. ABC 15 reported that five of the men are facing misdemeanor charges, with the sixth man facing a felony. The names of the assailants have not been released to the public, and the police are continuing their investigation.
Bissonnette, who was taken to the hospital, assured his followers in a video message that he did not suffer any life-threatening injuries during the brawl. Despite the frightening ordeal, Bissonnette managed to acknowledge the support from the restaurant staff, police officers, and medical personnel who assisted him post-assault. "All is good guys, it sucks," Bissonnette expressed, a sentiment recounted by FOX 10 Phoenix. "Could have been a lot worse," he lamented yet thankful he hadn't been knocked out in the clash that began over a refusal to serve more drinks to the already intoxicated individuals.
Bissonnette, a familiar voice on Barstool Sports' hockey podcast "Spittin' Chiclets," plans to delve deeper into the details of the confrontation in an upcoming episode.
