Son of Flyers GM cut by Mercyhurst team after wheelchair incident
Carson Briere, the Mercyhurst University hockey player who was seen on video pushing an empty wheelchair down a flight of stairs, has been dismissed from the team, the school’s athletics department announced.
Briere, the son of Philadelphia Flyers interim general manager Danny Briere, has been charged in the March 11 incident, along with Mercyhurst senior lacrosse player Patrick Carrozzi.
Both were charged on March 20 with criminal mischief related to damaged property and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief (both misdemeanors), plus disorderly conduct, a summary offense. They’re scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on May 22.
Briere was a junior on the hockey team. He and two other student-athletes were placed on interim suspension from their teams after video from the incident went public.
An employee of Sullivan’s Pub in Erie, Pennsylvania, shared the security video on social media days after the wheelchair was damaged.
Sydney Benes, a double amputee, identified herself as the wheelchair’s owner and thanked people for starting a GoFundMe page to help pay for repairs. She said she would give the rest of the money “to the disabled community and to people who really need the help.”
Briere released a statement through the Flyers after the incident, saying, “There is no excuse for my actions, and I will do whatever I can to make up for this serious lack of judgment.”
Danny Briere also released a statement saying that his son’s actions “are inexcusable and run completely counter to our family’s values on treating people with respect.”
Sunday’s late games
Kings 4, Canucks 1: Alex Iafallo scored twice, Joonas Korpisalo made 21 saves and visiting Los Angeles wrapped up a playoff spot.
Los Angeles improved to 45-22-10, winning for the second straight night after topping Seattle on Saturday.
“That’s a hell of an accomplishment for our group,” Kings coach Todd McLellan said. “I thought tonight was a tough night for us to play, a lot of heavy games on this trip and to play back-to-back, short turnaround, complete team win tonight.”
Arthur Kaliyev and Blake Lizzote – into an empty net – each had a goal and an assist for the Kings. Anze Kopitar added a pair of assists. Brock Boeser scored for the Canucks and Thatcher Demko stopped 21 shots.
Flames 5, Ducks 4: Milan Lucic and Michael Stone scored in the third period and host Calgary rallied for its fourth straight victory.
Frank Vatrano had two goals and an assist, Max Comtois had a goal and an assist, and Scott Harrington also scored for Anaheim.