The Ontario Hockey League has suspended Barrie Colts defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson for two games following a post-game incident where he dumped his water bottle on a fan. The altercation occurred after Saturday's shootout loss to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The Heated Game and Post-Game Altercation
During the November 9th contest, the Barrie Colts surrendered a 3-1 lead to the host Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, ultimately losing the game on Marco Mignosa's shootout winner. The game concluded with significant tension between the teams, with players nearly coming to blows as officials worked to separate them.
As Aitcheson and his teammates exited the ice, a fan wearing a red jersey and backwards hat was seen shouting at the Colts players. In response, the New York Islanders prospect turned his open water bottle toward the spectator, dousing him with its contents.
OHL's Response and Rule Violation
The OHL announced the suspension on Tuesday, citing Aitcheson for "interacting with a spectator" according to league rules. The OHL rulebook clearly states that any player who physically interferes with spectators or throws objects at them shall automatically receive a game misconduct penalty, with the commissioner having authority to impose additional penalties.
The league also handed out one-game suspensions to Sault Ste. Marie's Blake Arrowsmith for slashing and Spencer Evans for "inciting" during the same incident.
Impact on Aitcheson's Season
The suspension comes at an unfortunate time for the rising star. Aitcheson has been one of the OHL's top defencemen this season, leading all defencemen with 15 goals and ranking second at his position with 24 points. The 17th-overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft was riding a seven-game point streak that will now be interrupted.
Aitcheson will miss Thursday's game against Saginaw and Saturday's contest against Peterborough while serving his suspension. The incident marks a significant setback for the promising young defenceman during what has otherwise been an impressive season.
