The PWHL Player Safety Committee has taken decisive action to ensure the safety of players, suspending Montréal Victoire's Abby Roque for one game on January 13, 2026. The incident in question occurred during a game against the Vancouver Goldeneyes, where Roque delivered an illegal check to the head of an unsuspecting opponent at 4:06 of the third period. The committee's review determined that Roque's approach was poor and the contact to the head was avoidable, making it a match penalty. This suspension marks a significant step in the PWHL's commitment to player safety, as Roque has not been fined or suspended previously in her 64-game career. The committee, chaired by Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, includes experts like Chris Burkett, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Meghan Duggan, Mike Murphy, and Matt McMahon, all dedicated to maintaining a safe and fair playing environment. The incident can be viewed in the video below, which provides further insight into the committee's decision. This disciplinary action serves as a reminder that the PWHL takes player safety seriously and is committed to upholding the highest standards of fair play.
