Tale of Tape Kicks Off McSorley Trial

Marty McSorley sat expressionless as prosecutors opened his assault trial by showing video of him bashing Donald Brashear over the head with his stick during a game.

McSorley, an NHL enforcer who played for the Boston Bruins last season and for the Kings from 1988-96, faces up to 1 1/2 years in prison if convicted of assault with a weapon.

Prosecutor Mike Hicks introduced several exhibits, including a 14-minute video of the Feb. 21 game with the Vancouver Canucks in which McSorley and Brashear fought in the first period. McSorley’s late-game hit on Brashear was shown from different angles.

McSorley, a 17-year NHL veteran, watched the tape stoically, taking notes at times.

Also displayed were photos of Brashear’s battered face taken by the team one day after the game. Brashear sustained a concussion and returned to play late in the season.

The first witness called by the prosecutor was NHL referee Brad Watson, who officiated the game.

This is the first trial for an on-ice attack by an NHL player since Dino Ciccarelli, then with the Minnesota North Stars, was sentenced in 1988. He received one day in jail and a $1,000 fine for striking Toronto’s Luke Richardson with his stick.

The key issue is not whether McSorley struck Brashear but whether such an attack in pro hockey constitutes assault with a weapon. The NHL contends disciplinary matters should be left to the league.

McSorley was suspended by the NHL for the final 23 games of the season. He lost about $70,000 in pay and is an unrestricted free agent. He still must meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman before he is cleared to play.

McSorley is unsigned and had shoulder surgery in the off-season. At 37, it’s not clear if he will play again, regardless of the outcome of the trial.