Panthers’ Greer to have hearing for boarding Flames’ Zary
A member of the defending Stanley Cup champions is going to miss some time for his actions.
On Saturday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Florida Panthers forward A.J. Greer will have a hearing for boarding Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary.
The hearing has been scheduled for Sunday. The DoPS didn’t state what time the hearing would be held. It will take place over the phone, meaning Greer won’t be suspended for more than five games.
The incident occurred during Friday night’s game between the two teams. A little past the halfway mark of the third period, Greer was pressuring Zary in the Panthers’ zone and was going to be called for a hooking penalty. Greer clearly let his emotions overcome him, as he leveled Zary, from behind, about 10 feet from the boards.
AJ Greer pushes Connor Zary into the boards from behind. An unnecessary, dirty, BS hit. He should get suspended for that. 🎥: Sportsnet | #Flames
Zary went crashing into the boards head-first and immediately grabbed the back of his neck upon impact. The 24-year-old was able to skate off the ice under his own power, but he ended up heading straight to the locker room and didn’t return for the remainder of the game.
After a video review, Greer was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct, on top of the minor that was already coming to him, giving the former Flame a total of 17 minutes in penalties.
The Flames held on to win the game, 4-1. Zary was seen standing up and walking around the locker room with an icepack wrapped around his neck after the game. The Flames have yet to release any more info on his condition or when he’d be able to return to action.
This isn’t the first time Greer will face supplementary discipline. In March 2023, as a member of the Boston Bruins, he was banned for a game after cross-checking then-Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Hoffman in the face.