Kings’ Doty suspended 2 games for interference on Viel

Sep 30, 2022 - 10:13 PM

San Jose Sharks and Jacob Doty #45 of the Los Angeles Kings battle for position during the second period during the preseason game at Toyota Arena on September 28, 2022 in Ontario, California." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W-WGQdwUnK5RpNHND13hBx0pen0=/0x659:3900x2853/1920x1080/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71433878/1243585300.0.jpg" />

Los Angeles Kings forward Jacob Doty is set to have a hearing on Friday with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for Interference on San Jose Sharks forward Jeffrey Viel during Wednesday night’s preseason game between the two clubs. The incident occurred halfway through the second period.

Though there wasn’t a video broadcast for the game, footage of the hit was recorded by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now:

Doty was issued a five-minute major penalty for interference, as well as a game misconduct for the hit. Though he went down hard, Viel was able to get to the bench on his own without leaving the game, eventually returning to the ice for another shift.

The Kings forward was a problem for the Sharks (and Toyota Arena, to an extent) throughout the night, throwing hits that dislodged two different glass panes — the first of which called for an early intermission to repair.

Evgeny Svechnikov scored on the resulting power play to put the Sharks up 2-0. San Jose went on to win the game 3-1, with goals from Thomas Bordeleau and Scott Harrington.

In media availability after the game, Sharks head coach David Quinn said he believes Doty will face a suspension when asked about the hit on Viel.

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UPDATE: Following the hearing on Friday morning, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has suspended Jacob Doty for two games effective immediately for Interference on Jeffrey Viel. Supplemental discipline was assessed as a result of significant head contact on the play combined with the force of the hit.