Toronto Marlies Forward Suspended for Two Games Following Illegal Incident
forward Matthew Barbolini found himself with a two game ban after his actions against the Laval Rocket in his most recent AHL game.
It was a pretty easy victory for the Toronto Marlies against the Laval Rocket on Feb. 17 as the team cruised to a 7-2 victory.
Not everything was sunshine and rainbows as forward Matthew Barbolini ended up getting ejected after an illegal check to the head of forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard and received 20 total penalty minutes for his actions.
Well the AHL didn't take too kindly to the actions of Barbolini and decided to hand down some punishment, as the Marlies forward received a two-game suspension.
It was a pretty rough hit to the head, and while it may not seem like it warrants suspension, it was a clear headshot. Rocket forward Owen Beck also didn't take too kindly, and decided to drop the mitts with Barbolini afterward.
This season, Barbolini has three goals and five assists in 32 games having dealt with a pretty serious lower-body injury where he missed several weeks right after the season began.
Barbolini originally signed with the Maple Leafs in March of last season to a two-year deal after a standout year with the Miami University Redhawks.
He had 25 points in 31 games with the Redhawks in 2023-24 (11 goals, 14 assists) and has a career 86 points in 125 NCAA games.
At 6'2, 205 pounds he fits the criteria of a Brad Treliving type player, but these types of hits are not conducive for him being called up to the big club; he needs to be a bit more disciplined.
Luckily for the Rocket, Harvey-Pinard was not seriously injured. The 201st overall pick of the Canadiens in 2019 has 16 points in 31 games (5 goals, 11 assists).
Barbolini's suspension will make him ineligible to play in the Marlies next two games against the Syracuse Crunch on Feb. 21 and the Rochester Americans the following day, Feb. 22.
