The kid is a goal scorer. This season alone he has 15 G and 4 A in 20 GP. Prior to the incident, he also had 28 PM, which was tied for this team's lead. Prior seasons of his hockey career thus far reflect the same, according to stats. Currently, he sits as his team's leading point getter too by 5 Pts. So he's obviously a catalyst on that team.
Analyzing this through stats alone, he seems like a very talented player, with a penchant for taking penalties. Whether those be egregious or not, I don't know.
My thinking is, he was likely on a course to utilize hockey to benefit him post high school, whether that was college, uni, or whatever. With this incident now officially on his record, and proof, I think he likely will lose his eligibility to play at the level he currently is at, thus ruining his potential to make something of his hockey talent.
I don't think he should lose his right to play hockey entirely though, as a teenage boys mind is still developing significantly at that age. That being said, I believe he deserves punishment for this, and I think losing the chance to make something of his hockey talents is punishment in itself. I would think with a ban from playing for the rest of this year and next, would be a sufficient punishment, in addition to off ice counselling and courses (anger management etc).
If he's as talented as his stats make him seem, he'll find a way back on his own. Otherwise, it's a hard life lesson he'll have to learn. I don't think this incident should define him for the rest of his life though.
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