Scary Moment Marks Josiah Didier’s Laval Debut Match

Josiah Didier’s debut with the Laval Rocket became a harrowing moment during Friday night’s local opener. In the second period, he engaged in an intense fight with Chase Stillman. The encounter took a terrible turn when Stillman threw Didier onto the ice, resulting in a violent collision with Didier’s head.

Incident Details

The impact caused Didier to bleed profusely, alarming fans at the Place Bell. As he lay vulnerable on the ice, Stillman struck him again, prompting boos from the crowd. Teammate Luke Tuch immediately signaled for help from the bench.

Medical Response

Medical personnel quickly arrived with a stretcher. After some time, Didier managed to rise, holding a compress to his forehead due to the cuts. Encouraged by teammates and fans alike, he walked back to the dressing room on his own. Despite not returning to the game, reports from the arena hinted at positive news about his condition.

• Age: 32 years
• Timetable for return uncertain, but upbeat comments were made

After the match, coach Pascal Vincent reported that Didier expressed a desire to play again soon. “He’s doing alright, given the circumstances,” Vincent said.

Team Reaction

The incident sparked a strong reaction from Didier’s teammates. Players like Xavier Simoneau, Tyler Thorpe, and Alex Belzile engaged in several scuffles to send a message. Vincent acknowledged that a response was necessary. He stated, “If they want to play that way, we will answer.”

Team Unity

• Simoneau emphasized the importance of unity after the incident.
• Davidson described the team as a “pack” standing together against aggression.

Both players involved in the fight received major penalties, with Stillman facing additional game misconduct. This incident came as the Rocket was already without several regular defenders, leading to the team’s decision to offer Didier a 25-game professional tryout earlier in the week.

Career Overview

Josiah Didier previously played for the Hamilton Bulldogs at the end of the 2014-2015 season and the St. John’s IceCaps for the next two years. His recent acquisition reflects the Rocket’s efforts to build a competitive roster.