Clarke MacArthur’s season might be in jeopardy after a dirty hit in training camp sidelined the Senators veteran.
In a scrimmage on Sunday, MacArthur was hit high by defenseman Patrick Sieloff. The 31-year-old missed all but four games with concussion issues in 2015-16 and was down on the ice for a prolonged period of time following the dirty hit.
MacArthur had to be helped off the ice.
Clarke MacArthur needing help off the ice after a big hit from Patrick Sieloff. pic.twitter.com/O3R4UsZYRu
— Brent Wallace (@localpodcaster) September 25, 2016
The hit caused a storm of chaos during the scrimmage. Bobby Ryan reportedly went toe-to-toe with Sieloff and called him a “f***ing idiot.”
Wow. Bobby Ryan just beat the shit out of Patrick Seiloff for hitting MacArthur from behind.
— t o m s e n s 🔥 (@TomSENS) September 25, 2016
Ryan grabbed Sieloff and beat him up. Screamed “YOU FUCKING IDIOT” after they got broken up.
— t o m s e n s 🔥 (@TomSENS) September 25, 2016
For whatever reason, Sieloff wasn’t immediately pulled from the scrimmage. Senators veterans Chris Neil and Derrick Brassard went after the 22-year-old as tensions exploded following the hit.
Neil and Brassard now go after Sieloff. Shean Donovan asked Sieloff to leave the bench. Tensions are running high. #Sens
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) September 25, 2016
Eventually, Sieloff was taken off the ice. It’s a safe bet to say his time with the Senators is effectively over. The defenseman was expected to be a longshot to make Ottawa’s roster after he was acquired from the Calgary Flames in a one-for-one deal for Alex Chiasson. He scored a goal in his only appearance with the Flames last season.
The injury sounds like a concussion which would be terrible news for MacArthur. It’s impressive he was at training camp at all following the concussion issues and to see him instantly sidelined with a potential concussion is devastating news. MacAthur and Sieloff may never appear in a Senators game again.
