Russian Paigin throws stick, hits fan at WJC

As the final buzzer sounded to end the gold medal final at the Air Canada Centre Monday, Russian defenceman Ziat Paigin tossed his stick into the crowd, hitting a fan. (Boshe12/Instagram)

As the final buzzer sounded to end the gold medal final at the World Junior Championships Monday, Russian defenceman Ziat Paigin tossed his stick into the crowd, hitting a fan.

A photograph of the incident was caught by a fan, Josh Epstein, who posted it to Instagram.

A photo posted by Josh Epstein (@boshe12) on

A video was recorded by another fan in the lower bowl in the Air Canada Centre where Paigin can be seen on the far left of the screen throwing his stick in frustration after losing to Canada 5-4.

The referees witnessed the incident and after some discussion, assessed Paigin a minor penalty and a game misconduct. No injuries have been reported.

Paigin, 19, plays for Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL. He scored one goal and three points in the world junior championship. He has not been drafted by an NHL team.

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