Adam Fantilli is set to make his NHL debut tonight. Before even playing a game he has already likely gotten himself in trouble and fined.
Fantilli can be seen rocking no helmet heading onto the ice for warmups. This now leads to a hefty $2500 fine from the NHL. Doing a rookie lap without a helmet continues to be a right of passage and a big-time tradition in the NHL despite these fines.
Fantilli has not been the only rookie to risk being fined to continue the beloved tradition.
On the opening night of the NHL season, Connor Bedard made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He and fellow Chicago rookie Kevin Korchinski took the ice without helmets as well.
The NHL may have to consider changing the policies for NHL debuts when it comes to helmet fines. This is a tradition that every kid who plays hockey dreams of fulfilling. Fining kids achieving their dreams before they even play a game is not a great look for the league.
POLL | ||
12 OCTOBRE | 57 ANSWERS Adam Fantilli Fined After Breaking NHL Rule Before His First Game Will the NHL fine players for skating without a helmet in their debut? | ||
Yes | 37 | 64.9 % |
No | 20 | 35.1 % |
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