Story Summary
Seattle Kraken defenceman Ville Ottavainen has been fined $2,190.72 – the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement – for serving as the aggressor in an altercation with Calgary Flames forward Brennan Othmann during NHL pre-season Game No. 38 in Seattle on Thursday, Sept. 24, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced. The incident occurred at 7:22 of the second period; Ottavainen received a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor). The fine will be paid into the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Key Facts
- Ville Ottavainen was fined $2,190.72, the maximum allowable under the CBA.
- The fine was issued by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
- The incident involved Ottavainen and Flames forward Brennan Othmann, with Ottavainen fined for serving as the aggressor.
- The altercation took place at 7:22 of the second period of NHL pre-season Game No. 38 in Seattle on Thursday, Sept. 24.
- Ottavainen was assessed a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor).
- Fine proceeds go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
IHM Discussion
The Department of Player Safety imposed the maximum monetary sanction available under the Collective Bargaining Agreement after identifying Ville Ottavainen as the aggressor in a second-period altercation with Brennan Othmann. Ottavainen received an instigating minor, a fighting major and a game misconduct under Rule 46.2 (Aggressor). The fine applies to the pre-season incident in Seattle and will be paid into the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Why It Matters
The ruling confirms that aggressor and instigator provisions apply during the pre-season as well as the regular schedule. Ottavainen’s fine and game misconduct were specific consequences of this incident, while the proceeds will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Coach Mark Comment
In practical coaching terms, managing player behaviour in pre-season is a balancing act. Coaches want to see competitive edge and willingness to engage, but an instigator ruling removes a player from the contest and now carries a financial penalty. Emphasise controlled aggression in practice: teach players how to assert physical presence while avoiding the specific actions that invoke instigator and aggressor provisions.