Florida Panthers forward AJ Greer has been suspended for three games following a hit on Connor Zary on March 20. However, fans are outraged by the decision, arguing that Greer should face a harsher punishment.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced the suspension after reviewing an incident during a game against the Calgary Flames on March 20.
READ MORE: Florida Panthers slammed after “gutless” incident
AJ Greer suspension
Midway through the third period, Greer hit Zary from behind, sending him headfirst into the boards. Zary left the game and has since been listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Greer received 17 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct, for hooking and boarding.
On Sunday, the Department of Player Safety confirmed its ruling: a three-game suspension for Greer. But fans across the league strongly disagree, with many calling for a longer suspension.
Fans call out the NHL
Online, criticism has been directed at George Parros, head of the Department of Player Safety.
“Five games at the very least. It should have been more to set an example—especially as checks from behind seem to be creeping back into minor hockey,” one fan wrote on X.
“For the first time in NHL history, every fanbase and the media agreed on something (that Greer deserved a lengthy suspension), and the guy with a degree from Princeton University still managed to mess it up,” another user wrote.
“I’m not sure what this committee is doing, but I don’t think ‘player safety’ should be in the name. After this ruling, I’m not convinced player safety is your concern,” a third fan commented.
You can watch AJ Greer’s hit below.
READ MORE: How Lanny McDonald scored 66 goals in one season
