Ex-NHL Star Paul Bissonnette Hospitalized After Restaurant Brawl in Arizona
In a dramatic turn of events over the weekend, former NHL player Paul Bissonnette found himself in a hospital bed after a violent confrontation involving seven men at Houston’s in Scottsdale, Arizona. The incident unfolded as Bissonnette, now a well-respected hockey analyst and podcaster, attempted to defuse a tense situation at the establishment he frequents.
Bissonnette shared his harrowing experience on X, detailing an altercation that started with a group of intoxicated golfers creating chaos with the restaurant management. As tensions rose, Bissonnette bravely stepped in, hoping to calm the situation. “I just grabbed the guy’s arm and said, ‘Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we’re gonna have problems,'” he recounted on social media.
However, his intervention took an unexpected turn as the conflict rapidly escalated. He recounted facing aggression from seven men, leading to a brawl that spilled from the restaurant into the nearby parking lot and even into a neighboring CVS. Though Bissonnette suffered blows, notably to his head, he shared gratitude for having escaped without severe injuries. The immediate response from Scottsdale police resulted in six arrests, bringing a swift end to the unruly behavior.
This incident shines a spotlight on what Bissonnette condemned as “unacceptable behavior at a family restaurant,” motivated by the men’s inability to handle an unavailability of alcohol. As tales of public altercations involving celebrities often do, this one highlights the challenges faced when social gatherings spiral out of control.
The story is a reminder of the potential dangers and unpredictability in public settings, even for public figures, emphasizing the need for civility and respect in communal spaces.
