TORONTO - Garrett Burnett enjoys stirring up trouble on the ice.  He apparently conjured up a bit too much away from the rink.

According to a report by The Hockey News on Thursday, Burnett is in a life-threatening coma after being assaulted in North Delta, British Columbia last month.

An enforcer who spent part of the 2003-04 season with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Burnett is fighting for his life after being attacked outside a nightclub in the early hours of December 26, the news magazine said.

The 31-year-old reportedly was involved in a dispute along with several friends with another group of individuals in the club and, after being asked to leave the premises, was assaulted, receiving a “severe” blow to the head during the incident.

An investigation by the Delta police still is being conducted. While they have several suspects, no charges have yet been filed.

“We are treating this very seriously,” acting sargeant Wave Steinwand told The Hockey News.  “He’s still in a coma and could go either way.”

In 2003-04, Burnett made his NHL debut, recording a goal, two assists and 184 penalty minutes in 39 games with Anaheim.  After spending time in nearly every professional league on the continent, he most recently played for the Height Chiefs of St. Jean in the Quebec-based North American Hockey League, where he appeared in just four games before being banished for the remainder of the season for throwing a net at an opposing goaltender during a brawl in a game on December 17.

Burnett, who previously had signed contracts with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, has played in the American Hockey League, ECHL, Colonial-United Hockey League, Central Hockey League and now-defunct International Hockey League during his career.

More news

NBC Sports

Rangers must step up

  PHT Extra: Mike Halford and Jason Brough say Brad Richards needs to have a big game for the Rangers with the Devils leading the series 3-2.

NHL.com: Keys for Devils, Rangers in Game 6

Headlines

• Label

PHT Extra: Kings will face toughest foe yet

PHT: History doesn't bode well for Kings in finals

PHT: Gretzky says these Kings better than '93 team

PHT: Yzerman shoots down Luongo trade rumors

PHT: Kesler's agent snipes at Vigneault

Highlights: Devils defeat Rangers in Game 5

Unlucky Lundqvist plays worst game of playoffs

PHT: Torts still upbeat  |  'Best game of the series'