The Professional Women’s Hockey League handed down its most severe suspension to date on Monday, imposing a four-game ban on New York Sirens forward Taylor Girard. Girard was penalized for leaving the bench to intervene in an on-ice altercation that occurred at the end of New York’s 2-1 victory over Montreal. Video footage captured Girard colliding with Montreal defender Maggie Flaherty, leading to both teams receiving misconduct penalties. Girard, however, received an additional 20-minute penalty for leaving the bench.
According to league regulations, the first player to illegally exit the bench is subject to an automatic four-game suspension. This decision was upheld by the PWHL Player Safety Committee following a thorough review. Previously, the longest suspension in the league was a two-game ban given to Seattle defender Aneta Tejralova for a head check against the Sirens.
Girard will be ineligible to play until New York’s matchup against Boston on March 5, which marks the team’s second game after the month-long Olympic hiatus. The 27-year-old Girard, currently in her third PWHL season and second with the Sirens, was traded from Boston a year ago. Despite her five goals ranking second on the team, Girard now leads the league with 30 penalty minutes in 13 games after being previously penalty-free this season.
The incident unfolded during a PWHL game held at the NHL Washington Capitals’ home venue, drawing a record-breaking attendance of 17,228 spectators. This game marked the largest turnout for a professional women’s hockey match in the United States.
