Hamilton police are continuing their investigation into the stick-swinging incident involving American Hockey League forward Alexander Perezhogin at the Copps Coliseum on April 30.
Perezhogin, a 20-year-old Montreal Canadiens prospect playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs, was suspended for the remainder of this season and all of the 2004-05 season for a blow delivered to the face of Cleveland Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford.
"We still have several witnesses to get hold of, and, unfortunately, they are in different places, for example Calgary, and the referees are all over the place," Sergeant Carol Pacey said. "Once all the witnesses and evidence have been gathered, we'll be making a decision."
Perezhogin struck Stafford with a two-handed swing during a playoff game as the two battled in front of the Cleveland goal. Stafford went into convulsions and was taken to hospital, suffering a grade 3 concussion and needing 20 stitches to repair a facial cut.
Stafford was suspended for six games for a swing at Perezhogin that preceded the retaliatory blow.
Police have said the suspension handed down to Perezhogn by AHL president David Andrews will not influence their decision whether to lay criminal charges.