Wayne Simmonds
Wayne Simmonds, seen left as a King, had a banana thrown at him last Thursday. Chris Moorhouse, the subject, was arrested and charged for the action. Reuters

Ontario police have charged a 26-year-old man for throwing a banana on the ice toward Philadelphia Flyers wing Wayne Simmonds during an NHL preseason game last Thursday.

Chris Moorhouse, 26, of London, Ontario, was served a summons for engaging in a prohibited activity under the provincial trespassing act. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $2,000.

London Police Chief Brad Duncan said at a news conference Wednesday that the offense did not meet the threshold of a hate crime or mischief.

The banana was thrown when Simmonds skated toward Detroit Red Wings goalie Jordan Pearce during a shootout attempt at the John Labatt Center, about 120 miles from Simmonds' birthplace of Scarborough.

Simmonds, who is black, issued a statement the next day, calling the situation unfortunate.

On Monday, Simmonds, in another controversial situation, was accused of making an anti-gay slur against New York Rangers wing Sean Avery during an exhibition in Philadelphia. The NHL didn't punish Simmonds because the league said there wasn't conclusive evidence.

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