Former Bruin Stan Jonathan appeared in court Wednesday to face a charge of criminal negligence causing death after a hunting incident left a 29-year-old man dead on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario on Sunday morning.
Jonathan, 57, a Six Nations band member who lives in Ohsweken, Ontario, is scheduled to return to court Dec. 14.
According to police, Peter Kosid was bow-hunting when he was shot in the back by a bullet allegedly fired by Jonathan, who separately was hunting deer more than 300 yards away. Jonathan discovered Kosid's body and contacted police.
Jonathan's attorney expressed regret for the incident, but the former Bruin is not allowed to offer condolences directly, as per bail conditions.
The victim's brother agreed with the charge against Jonathan.
"It's not like we think [the shooter] did it on purpose, but it was so careless," Brad Kosid told the Hamilton Spectator [1]. "It was a split-second decision that cost a life. … It's a tragedy for everyone involved."
Jonathan, an undersized (5-foot-8, 175 pounds) but feisty forward who was a perfect fit for the Don Cherry-coached Bruins of the late 1970s, was drafted by the B's in 1975 and was a fan favorite in his seven seasons in Boston before finishing his career with the Penguins. In 411 NHL games, he had 91 goals, 110 assists and 751 penalty minutes.
Links:
[1] http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/836695--ex-nhler-stan-jonathan-charged-in-six-nations-hunting-death
[2] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/bruins