It’s a major blow for Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid. The Saturday match against the Vancouver Canucks led to a major loss experienced by the NFL player. Faced with a negative situation in his professional career, Connor will not be seen on the field for some time. So what’s the reason behind it?

Currently off-field since the January 18 match, Connor McDavid is crossing his days to return to action after a major incident against his opponent, Conor Garland. The defensive attack showcased against him was, however, enough to put him in front of the fans attention. Giving a detailed view, let’s take a look back to the day it all happened.

Connor McDavid is suspended for cross-checking

It was a Saturday morning match between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks that ended not much in favor of the Oilers team. It was not the loss experienced but the suspension of one of their team members coming to a reality. As per a leaked video from the match, Connor McDavid got himself suspended for three games.

Not just the suspension, but the NHL player will remain without pay after cross-checking its opponent Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland. It was during 19:55 of the third period when Conor Garland held McDavid down to stop him from performing any defense. The action followed led to frustration and a cross-check given by McDavid. As a result, the act earned him a match penalty. A fine worth $195,312.51 will be going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Soon after the incident, another penalty was given. Besides the Oilers player, Canucks own defenseman Tyler Myers also got himself under the suspension of three games for cross-checking against Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. The Vancouvers, however, won the match against the Oilers by 3-2.

Left with such disappointment, Connor can, however, find his way to the assistance program if needed to overcome.

What is the Assistance Program?

With loss comes mental health. Sports players often undergo this stage when faced with an unexpected situation like the one experienced by Edmonton Oilers player Connor McDavid. But luckily, the National Hockey League has found a way for its athletes to overcome the challenging journey faced in their professional careers.

An Assistance Program by the league was established in 1996, and its been over 25 years since several athletes under the NHL were a part of the program. Away from their professional careers for a while, the program aims to provide assistance to those suffering from mental peace, substance abuse, match loss, and more in every league city known. Counselling sessions for not just the players but the families too are given with an unknown source of contact line service.

Neither Connor McDavid nor the National Hockey League Player’s Association, however, appealed for the three-game suspension. Faced with a three-game suspension, it is, however, disappointing for the team to miss out on a player like Connor McDavid. With their upcoming match against the Vancouver Canucks scheduled on Thursday, fans will be missing the Oilers forward.