Suspension worthy hit by Ryan Reaves, who is assessed a five minute major and a game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Tyler Motte.
Nation Sites
The Nation Network
CanucksArmy has no direct affiliation to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Vegas’ Ryan Reaves to have hearing for illegal check to Tyler Motte’s head

Photo credit: © Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2020, 13:25 EDTUpdated: Sep 5, 2020, 13:39 EDT
The Vancouver Canucks may have been eliminated from the Edmonton bubble last night, but justice never sleeps.
The NHL announced this morning that Vegas Golden Knights’ forward Ryan Reaves will have a hearing today for an Illegal Check to the Head on Vancouver’s Tyler Motte.
The incident took place late in the second period, and Motte stayed down on the ice for an extended period of time before going to the Canucks’ locker room. He would return for the third and appeared to be no worse for wear.
Here’s the hit in question:
It’s no question that Motte is in a vulnerable position and that the main point of contact is with his head. The officials got this one right on the ice by assessing a five minute major, and now we’ll have to wait and see if the league decides to take further action.
A decision is expected to be announced prior to tomorrow’s game between the Knights and Dallas Stars.
Breaking News
- Todd Harvey says Canucks scouts were directed to prioritize size in 2026 NHL Draft
- A recap of the 9 prospects the Canucks selected at the 2026 NHL Draft
- Canucks select Lucian Bernat at 176th, Samuel Eriksson at 184th of 2026 NHL Draft
- Canucks select Connor Davis at 129; trade pick 161 to Leafs for 2027 5th round pick
- Canucks select Yaroslav Bryzgalov at 97th overall in the 2026 NHL Draft
