Quebec Premier Jean Charest says fighting should be banned in junior hockey, and his government will step in to legislate a ban if necessary.

Charest's comments followed the suspension of the son of former NHL goalie Patrick Roy for seven games on Tuesday for his actions during a weekend brawl in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game.

Quebec Remparts coach Patrick Roy looks on as his son Jonathan walks by after a Monday news conference to talk about a brawl between the Remparts and Chicoutimi Saguenens. (Canadian Press)Quebec Remparts coach Patrick Roy looks on as his son Jonathan walks by after a Monday news conference to talk about a brawl between the Remparts and Chicoutimi Saguenens. (Canadian Press)

Quebec Remparts goaltender Jonathan Roy, 19, was also fined $500 for his behaviour Saturday against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.

Seven other players were also suspended for their part in the brawl.

Patrick Roy was suspended five games for his role as coach of the Remparts, and he later publicly apologized.

He said he should have exercised more control over his son.

The brawl has sparked a major debate in Canada on fighting in junior hockey.

"There may have been a time when we tolerated violence in hockey, and it was part of the sport," Premier Charest said. "But at this point, in junior hockey at least … I think we've all come to the conclusion that the time has come to put an end to fighting."

Charest was at Tuesday night's game between the Quebec and Chicoutimi teams, as was Health Minister Philippe Couillard, who joined the call for a ban on fights in junior hockey.

"We also need a change of attitude as parents and as spectators of the sport," Couillard said.

'Are we enjoying it?'

"The way we behave with our young people in the arenas, the way we behave as spectators, are we expecting something like this? Are we enjoying it? Are we encouraging it by the way we behave in an arena? This is something we have to ask ourselves."

Meanwhile, organizers of the upcoming World Hockey Championship games in Quebec City said Wednesday they will stick with Patrick Roy as Honorary president.

The annual tournament brings together professional players from 16 countries.

It's normally held in Europe, but this year Quebec City and Halifax are co-hosting the event.

Roy and Canadiens legend Jean Beliveau have been named honorary presidents for the tournament coming up in May.

Tournament organizers said Roy is a fitting honorary president for his achievements on the ice as a Hall of Fame goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche.