Winnipeg Jets superstar Mark Scheifele says his family is being targeted by angry fans upset with his cheap shot hit on Jake Evans ... and he's begging for them to stop.
Scheifele just received a 4-game suspension for taking out the Montreal Canadiens forward in Game 1 of their playoff series earlier this week.
The hit knocked Evans unconscious -- and was widely condemned by hockey fans and players alike who say Scheifele viciously targeted a defenseless player in a compromised position.
On Friday morning, Scheifele finally spoke to the media about the suspension -- saying he will NOT appeal the 4-game ban because he does not want to be a distraction to his team.
But, he also revealed his family has been harassed non-stop since the Wednesday incident ... and he's very upset about it.
"I'm a big boy. I signed up for this. I can handle this," Scheifele said ... "But, to put my parents, brother and sister, my loved ones through this, is unacceptable."
He continued, "I got held accountable. But, there's no right to go after my parents and my loved ones."
Scheifele says he's praying for Evans -- and hopes he can make a full and speedy recovery.
Evans suffered a concussion on the play -- and so far no update on when he's expected to return.
Game 2 of the Jets vs. Canadiens series is Friday night -- we'll see if the league's punishment is enough to stop vigilante justice on the ice.