Former NHL player and now broadcaster Paul Bissonnette ‘victim of assault’ as six men arrested after altercation at restaurant
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Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette was the victim of an assault on Sunday. Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
Former NHL player and current hockey broadcaster Paul Bissonnette was the victim of an assault during a violent altercation at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Sunday. Bissonnette, 39, was involved in an incident at Houston’s, a popular local restaurant, after he attempted to intervene in a dispute between six men and the restaurant’s management. According to the Scottsdale Police Department, the situation quickly escalated, leading to Bissonnette being assaulted both inside and outside the restaurant.
The altercation began when Bissonnette noticed a disturbance at the bar, where one individual had confronted the manager, even placing his hands on him. As a regular customer at Houston’s, Bissonnette, who is well-known for his role as a broadcaster on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, saw the situation unfolding and decided to step in. He grabbed the man’s arm, warning him, “Sir, if you continue to harass and assault the staff, we’re gonna have problems.” However, the situation took a violent turn, and Bissonnette found himself involved in a physical altercation with multiple individuals.
The fight quickly escalated, and Bissonnette said he ended up fighting with what he believes were seven men, who eventually forced him out of the restaurant and into the street. He described the situation as chaotic, stating, “I just figured I’d had to go over and yeah, so took some, gave more.” According to police, the six men involved in the incident were arrested and booked for charges related to assault and disorderly conduct after a thorough investigation. The Scottsdale Police Department responded promptly to the scene after receiving reports of the assault, and emergency medical services (EMS) were called to evaluate Bissonnette’s injuries.
Bissonnette was transported to the hospital for further evaluation, although the extent of his injuries has not been fully disclosed. In a video posted to social media the following day, Bissonnette thanked his fans for their support and shared additional details of the altercation. He described the restaurant as a place he frequented regularly, noting that he had visited Houston’s multiple times a week, enjoyed the food, and had a positive relationship with the staff. “The staff’s incredible, the food’s incredible, and just like good people,” Bissonnette explained.
Reflecting on the incident, Bissonnette revealed that the altercation was intense and physical. He recounted how, during the brawl, he was knocked to the ground and kicked multiple times—twice in the head and once in the neck. He described the ordeal as overwhelming, noting that he lost both his shoes and his shirt during the altercation as he managed to escape into a nearby CVS store. Despite the physical nature of the attack, Bissonnette appeared to be in good spirits when recounting the event. He thanked the first responders and EMS for their swift response and support, stating that while he was “a little banged up,” he felt more shaken by the experience than physically harmed.
Bissonnette’s quick intervention in the situation has been widely discussed. As a former professional athlete, he is accustomed to handling high-pressure situations, though this altercation was clearly a different kind of challenge. His decision to step in when the restaurant manager was being harassed by an aggressive customer shows a sense of responsibility and concern for others. However, his involvement led to a violent confrontation that he was clearly unprepared for, as he had to fend off several men in a chaotic street fight.
Bissonnette’s career in the NHL spanned from 2008 to 2014, where he played 202 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes. Since retiring from professional hockey, he has become a well-known broadcaster, notably co-hosting the popular Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, where he has gained a significant following for his candid and often humorous commentary on hockey and sports culture.
The incident has sparked discussion about the level of violence and aggression that can arise in public places, especially when alcohol is involved. While Bissonnette’s intervention was clearly motivated by a desire to protect the staff and diffuse the situation, the escalation of violence serves as a reminder of the risks involved when trying to mediate such confrontations. Despite the ordeal, Bissonnette remains positive, expressing his gratitude for the support he’s received and assuring fans that he is recovering well.
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