German league player facing discipline after shooting puck at referee

Thomas Larkin, a former draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has found himself in trouble again after shooting a puck at a referee in the German-based Deutsche Eishockey Liga (German Ice Hockey League in English). The league is taking some time to decide whether it feels the shot, which hit the referee right in the face, was intentional, or simply a poor decision that had unintended consequences. 

Larkin, who plays for Adler Mannheim, seemed disgusted after being called offside. He took a hard swing at the puck and it went directly at the referee, who left the game. His conditions isn't known. You can check out the incident below

It isn't the first time Larkin has been in some hot water while playing hockey. On November 7th, 2017, Larkin hit Daniel Paille during a match between Swedish club Brynas and Adler Mannheim, resulting in Paille leaving with a severe concussion. Two days after the incident, Larkin apologized on Twitter, writing: "It wasn’t my intention to cause an injury. I wanted to put pressure on the puck carrier behind the net. I would like to apologize to Daniel and I hope he is back playing soon." A year later, Swedish prosecutor Joakim Johansson indicated that Larkin would be charged with assault for blindsiding Paille. However, the case suspended indefinitely last year. 

According to a translated Tweet from DEL, it is currently considering whether Larkin will be disciplined for his actions and what the punishment might be. 

Larkin was born in Britain but is of Italian decent and has played for that country's national team. The now 29-year-old was drafted by Columbus 137th overall in 2009 but never made it to the NHL. He did, however, play parts of three seasons with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL, recording eight goals and 20 points in 88 games. He also played two seasons with Medvescak Zagreb of the KHL, putting up 10 points. This is his third season with Adler Mannheim.