Kitchener Defenseman Jacob Xu Suspended For Reckless Slash To Opponent's Head

Kitchener Rangers defenseman Jacob Xu (96). Photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images”>


The OHL has handed out a necessary punishment on Kitchener Rangers defenseman Jacob Xu, who made a reckless and careless decision with his stick against his opponent on Halloween night when the Sudbury Wolves were in town. 

During the third period last Friday, Xu briefly got tangled up with Los Angeles Kings prospect Jan Chovan on the Wolves. For whatever reason, Xu disengaged and swung his stick over the top of his head, striking the back of Chovan’s head. 

Chovan participated in the game and did not miss Sudbury’s next match on Saturday against Owen Sound. As for Xu, the league reviewed the play involving him and handed out supplemental discipline to the defenseman eligible for the 2026 NHL draft.

Xu has been suspended for four games for his dangerous slash. He has already served one game of the suspension and is eligible to return on Nov. 15 against the Guelph Storm. 

It was a bizarre incident for a player who isn’t known to have a mean streak. 

Xu’s four-game suspension has been met with a lot of questioning and debate online. Many fans argue that four games are not enough and he should’ve received more games. What do you think? Did the league get this one right?


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