Detective expresses disappointment after Kassian Photo with Hells Angels' member

Zack Kassian of the Edmonton Oilers has been known for a lifestyle that isn't necessarily conducive with a professional hockey career, although he has taken many steps to get away from that over the last few years. However, at least one biker detective is expressing disappointment after the 29-year-old recently posed for a photograph with a full-patch member of the Hells Angels that was posted on Instagram.

The photo in question was taken last Friday after Kassian had just arrived in Edmonton to start taking part in on-ice training to prepare for the return of the 2019-20 season.

“Hockey is almost back and so are the deadly mutton chops,” full-patch Angel Dustin Lowry captioned the photo that shows him almost head-to-head with the 29-year-old NHLer at a local coffee shop.

While the Oilers told the Edmonton Journal that Kassian is a "blue collar player" who would never turn down a photo with a fan and had no idea who the person was, the news outlet states Kassian follows just 464 accounts on Instagram and Lowry is one of them. Lowry also commented on a photo that Kassian posted a few months back.

Jason Kemp, a biker detective in Edmonton, told the Journal that he has obtained a copy of the photo (Lowry's account is private) and said it is disappointing to see a professional athlete posing with a member of the Hells Angels.

“It's very disappointing on a couple fronts. The primary one right now is with the COVID restrictions,” Kemp said. Lowry and Kassian are clearly not practicing physical distancing in the photo. Kemp also claims the photo sends the wrong message.

"They (athletes) have that platform, they have that ability to reach the youth, and they do a lot of work with the youth. We would expect that they would make good choices,” Kemp said.

The Oilers told the Journal they have reminded Kassian of the importance of physical distancing in light of the photo.

Kassian was charged with assault following an altercation at a bar in Windsor, Ontario in 2010. An agreement was reached with the complainant and the charges were dropped in exchange for community service and a fine. In 2015, Kassian was involved in a car accident in Montreal, suffering a broken nose and a fractured left foot. Kassian was not the driver of the car, however he was under the influence. This resulted in Kassian being suspended without pay and sent to the NHL's substance abuse program. In 2016 he admitted to being an alcoholic and stated he was getting help for that issue. He has not gotten into any trouble related to alcohol since.

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