Weekly Hockey Roundup: Noteworthy Moments and News
Every week, we bring you the most significant developments and stories from the hockey realm over the past seven days—spanning the NHL and far beyond. Last week’s events saw a plethora of viral moments, including an entertaining EBUG sighting in Ottawa, the release of footage showcasing the renowned Paul Bissonnette altercation in Arizona, Sean Higgins being charged over the tragic incident involving the Gaudreau brothers, Justin Schultz’s retirement announcement, speculation about a formidable Team Italy for the 2026 Olympics, McDavid’s brilliance, Matthews experiencing a mishap, and a spectacular line brawl in Winnipeg. Here are the highlights from the week you may have missed.
- Senators’ EBUG Adventure: A University of Ottawa goaltender’s mad dash to the arena captured the internet’s attention.
- Paul Bissonnette Assault Footage: Scottsdale police released a video showing the former NHL player’s struggle outside a bar.
- Gaudreau Brothers Tragedy: A grand jury indictment for Sean Higgins following the fatal crash.
- Justin Schultz Retirement: The two-time Stanley Cup winner concludes his hockey career.
- Potential Team Italy for 2026: Rumors about a rule change leading to a powerful Italian Olympic team.
- McDavid’s Goal of the Week: The star player’s remarkable performance against the Lightning.
- Winnipeg Brawl: A chaotic fight erupted during a Jets-Bruins game.
- Matthews’ Blooper: The star had a skate-blade malfunction requiring assistance.
Senators’ EBUG Adventure: Viral Video of Goalie’s Race to the Rink
This past weekend, an amusing entry was added to the “EBUG” folklore when a video of Zach Dietz, a 22-year-old University of Ottawa goaltender, sprinting towards the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, went viral. As per the Ottawa Citizen, Dietz, the emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) for the Senators, was informed at 5:50 p.m. that he needed to hurry to the rink because Senators’ goalie Anton Forsberg was injured.
“I was going to miss warmup due to the traffic and everything, but I was talking to (Healey) and I was saying, ‘If I can jump out of the car and run, I can get there quicker’ than staying in the car,” Dietz shared. “We both agreed that if I was going to get there as quick as I can, we’ve got to do it by whatever means possible. She’s as big a fan of hockey as I am and she plays for the women’s team at the University of Ottawa so she was like, ‘Hey, get there as quick as you can and I’ll jump in the driver’s seat.’ We just changed out. I put the car in park, she jumped in from the passenger’s seat and I grabbed my gear and started running.”
The Senators have three “EBUGs” on their roster, all members of the University of Ottawa GeeGees. Last season, Dietz was required to suit up and sit on the bench when Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll sustained an injury.
Paul Bissonnette Assault Footage Surfaces in Arizona
Last week, police in Scottsdale, Arizona released footage of former NHL player and renowned “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast host Paul Bissonnette being assaulted outside a bar. Bissonnette recounted on a recent episode of “Spittin’ Chiclets” that he was visiting Houston’s restaurant on November 24 when he intervened on behalf of the staff following a man’s aggression towards an employee.
“I said, ‘Listen guy, if you keep harassing and assaulting the staff, we’re going to go outside and have some problems.’ The minute that left my mouth, the guys starts swinging, and the next thing you know, four guys start swinging at me,” said Bissonnette. “I ate three kicks: one in the neck, two in the head. Was able to get up, and at this point, now, I have no shoes on. I got my pants, no shirt. I’m finally able to run into CVS, and they didn’t come into CVS. Thankfully, the cops were called right away.”
According to Fox10 Phoenix and various reports, the individuals involved have been identified as Henry Mesker, Danny Bradley, John G. Carroll, William J. Carroll, Sean Daley, and Edward Jennings.
Indictment in Tragic Gaudreau Brothers Incident
The alleged intoxicated driver responsible for the deaths of former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in August, has been indicted by a grand jury in Salem County, New Jersey. According to CNN’s obtained indictment, Higgins faces charges of reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
LA STAR DELLA NHL JOHNNY GAUDREAUSEAN HIGGINS ARRESTO CON LA BODY CAM video ⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ZLzlDHdY7F
The Gaudreau brothers were fatally struck by Higgins’ vehicle while cycling on a New Jersey highway on the eve of their sister’s wedding, where they were meant to be groomsmen. Prosecutors reported Higgins’ blood-alcohol level was 0.087 at the crash time. Higgins, who could face up to 20 years in prison, is slated for arraignment on January 7, 2025, as reported by CNN.
Justin Schultz Announces Retirement
Justin Schultz, former NHL defenseman, has formally retired after a 12-year career. The 34-year-old, who couldn’t secure an NHL contract for the 2024-25 season, initially signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland, playing eight games with six assists in the Swiss league.
Hockey Club Lugano announces that player Justin Schultz informed the club yesterday of his decision to end his career with immediate effect for strictly personal reasons and to return immediately to Canada.
The British Columbia native, drafted 43rd overall by Anaheim in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, joined the Edmonton Oilers in 2012 after three college seasons. Eventually, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Schultz concludes his NHL career with 71 goals and 324 points from 745 games with the Oilers, Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Seattle Kraken.
Rumored Team Italy for 2026 Olympics
Italy is not typically considered a contender for Olympic hockey medals, but a potential rule change could enable their team to be formidable in the 2026 Games. Notable European hockey journalist Bernd Freimueller shared the following on X:
“Confirmed by several sources: The NHL is eager to allow their players with Italian ancestors to play for Italy at the Olympics. That would mean bypassing the 16-months-rule that players have to play in Italy to be eligible. We will see what the IIHF has to say about this…”
This post led many to speculate on social media about prospective “Team Italy” rosters, which appeared quite strong.
This 2026 Italian Olympic Ice Hockey Team wouldn’t be badPerfetti-Celebrini-VilardiVatrano-Fantilli-ToffoliMangiapane-Pinto-PalmieriIafallo-Amadio-BertuzziDiGiuseppeFerraro-CarloPesce-DeAngeloFabbro-DeMeloBortuzzo, CeciCossaDiPietroMandolese https://t.co/mdTUHU9qtw
The international competition will return this winter after a long hiatus since 2016, featuring Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off come February. Italy, as the host nation, will automatically secure a spot in the 12-team 2026 Olympic men’s hockey competition.
Goal of the Week: McDavid’s Amazing Play
Connor McDavid once again astounded fans with his breathtaking skill against the Tampa Bay Lightning, converting a 1-on-3 into a spectacular goal showcasing his unique ability.
#97 makes it look too easy 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/rM3YxiActs
Scrap of the Week: Winnipeg’s Frenzy
In this week’s top altercation, a remarkable scuffle erupted in the third period of a Jets-Bruins game. With the clock winding down and the Jets leading comfortably, chaos ensued with a simultaneous outbreak of three separate fights.
WE GOT CHAOS IN WINNIPEG 🥊- It took Trent Frederic ONE punch to drop David Gustafsson- Kastelic and Stanley have a spirited tilt- Heavyweight square-off between Zadorov and Lowry pic.twitter.com/Ad7VC9N9Qn
Blooper of the Week: Matthews’ Skate Mishap
Even the best players sometimes require assistance following a classic equipment malfunction, as demonstrated when Auston Matthews lost a skate blade and was aided by teammate Jake McCabe.
Auston Matthews lost a blade, and Jake McCabe is right there to help him out 🤝 pic.twitter.com/34IEjzqYzK