taylor Girard Suspension: PWHL Forward Faces four-Game Ban
NEW YORK, NY – January 19, 2026 – New york Sirens forward Taylor Girard has been suspended for four games by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) following an incident at the conclusion of Sunday’s game against the Montréal Victoire. The league announced the disciplinary action today, citing a violation of PWHL Rule 72.10.
The suspension stems from Girard leaving the players’ bench during an on-ice altercation. According to the PWHL rulebook, any player who is the first to illegally leave the bench during an altercation, or with the intent to start one, is automatically suspended for four regular season games.
Girard will be eligible to return to play on thursday,March 5,2026.
The decision was made following review by the PWHL Player Safety Committee, which is responsible for autonomous review and recommendations on supplementary discipline. The committee is chaired by Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, and includes Chris Burkett, Vice Chair and PWHL Vice President of Labor Relations and Player Safety; Cassie Campbell-Pascall, PWHL Special Advisor; Meghan Duggan, Special Consultant to PWHL Hockey Operations; Mike Murphy, a long-time NHL executive and former VP of Hockey Operations; and Matt McMahon, a member of the NHL’s Player Safety department.
The PWHL is committed to maintaining a safe and sportsmanlike environment for all players, and the enforcement of Rule 72.10 underscores that commitment. Further details regarding the incident and the league’s disciplinary process are available on the official PWHL website.
Keywords: Taylor Girard, PWHL, New York Sirens, Suspension, Hockey, PWHL Discipline, Montréal Victoire, Player Safety, rule 72.10, Women’s Hockey.
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