Former Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O’Reilly is no stranger to having his name in the headlines, but usually it is in conjunction with contentious contract negotiations or trade rumors.
This time, it’s for crashing his truck into a Tim Hortons.
O’Reilly, who was traded to the Buffalo Sabres this offseason and then signed to a seven year contract worth $7.5 million a season, has been charged with impaired driving and leaving the scene of an accident in Lucan, Ont., near London.
According to Middlesex County OPP, O’Reilly crashed his 1951 Chevrolet pickup truck into a Tim Hortons on Richmond Street in Lucan, which is located roughly 30 minutes north of London. Police say O’Reilly continued to drive for a short time before abandoning his vehicle and continuing on foot with an unnamed male passenger. The pair were found about a mile away
O’Reilly was charged and given an appearance ticket in court in London for Aug. 20. The passenger was not charged.
“We are aware of the reports regarding the incident involving Ryan O’Reilly last week,” Sabres General Manager Tim Murray said in a statement. “We are currently in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment until we have spoken with all parties involved.”
The Buffalo News reported that under Canada’s Highway Traffic Act, O’Reilly faces penalties for leaving the scene that could include a maximum of six months in jail, a fine of between $400 and $2,000, seven demerit points on his license and a suspended license for up to two years.
O’Reilly’s blood alcohol reading was over 80 mg, meaning he is subject to an immediate 90-day suspension of his license. If convicted, he faces a fine of $1,000 and a license ban of one year
