On Behalf of the DKM team, The Bench Boss would like to take this time to send best wishes out to Ben Fanelli of the Kitchener Rangers for a speedy recovery. Fanelli was invovled in a scary incident this past Friday night when he was checked into the boards by an Erie Otters player. He remains in critical but stable condition and everyone in the hockey world is continuing to pray for the 16 year old and his family.
Now, if you’ve seen the hit then I’m sure you have an opinion on whether or not it was a dirty hit. Some believe that yes it was dirty and there are those who believe that it was not. Personally I don’t really think it matters if it was a “clean” hit or not, the real issue to me is that it was a definite intent to injure. The problem I have with something like this is why was there any need for the Erie player to skate as fast as he could (which is charging in the first place) and hammer into an unsuspecting player who happens to be behind his own net and is in no way a threat to score. Sure I know you have to play the body and there are some players that think the only way they will be able to have a career in hockey is to play a certain way, but this is the kind of thing that needs to be eliminated from the game. There are a countless number of hockey players that can play an effective physical game without having to kill guys and for the most part NHL players are aware of that, but there are still way too many players that seem to be constantly looking for someone in a vulnerable position that they can absolutely level, and that is what needs to stop or instances like this will only continue.
I agree – the concern I have is not about whether it is a legal hit or not – but the obvious lack of respect for another player and for the game. The suspension was aimed at Liambas’ attitude and behavior rather than the execution of the hit.