Former NHLer Andre Deveaux attacks an opponent during warmups prior to a playoff game in Sweden. (via @MaStrozyk)
Andre Deveaux attacked an opponent during warmups before a playoff game in Sweden. (via @MaStrozyk)

Former NHL player Andre Deveaux made headlines back in March when he attacked an opposing player before a game in Sweden's second division hockey league. 

It ultimately ended with him having his contract terminated by his team (Rogle) and was suspended in Sweden until February 2016. A warrant was also issued for his arrest following the incident.

This is the incident, Via Matias Strozyk of Finnish publication Yle Urheilu

On Friday, he spoke to reporters in Toronto about what happened and said that he acted in self-defense because he feared for his safety on the ice.  Deveaux said that in a previous game he was hit from behind by Per Helmersson, the player he attacked, knocking him unconscious and giving him a concussion that may prevent him from playing hockey ever again.

More, from the Toronto Star:

"I'm out there with a serious injury and guys are telling me they're going to do it again. At some point my safety has to become a priority," said Deveaux. "I've been around the block and I know the difference between chirping and threatening."

Deveaux added that he feels the Swedish hockey association, as well as that country's media, ignored his side of the situation and were essentially "biased" against him. "Helmersson has faced no consequences for his actions," he said, referring to the hit from behind. "He hit me hard, right in the numbers where we're told never to hit.

"This isn't right and this isn't fair."

Deveaux, 31, played parts of three seasons in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, recording two assists and 104 penalty minutes. Along with his time with the Maple Leafs and Rangers, he also spent time playing for multiple teams in the ECHL and AHL as well as one season (2013-14) in the KHL. 

The 2014-15 season was his first in Sweden.

He appeared in 20 games for Rogle, scoring six goals to go with three assists.