Finally! With this stupid PR-stunt out of the way, the real NHL season can start. Of course I am talking about the Los Angeles Kings-Anaheim Ducks match-up in London (where most people don't know hockey from curling). I am no fan of missionary games like this, where they are trying to spread the NHL to the rest of the world. Hockey is struggling to keep up with the far bigger sports like football (even college football), baseball and basketball. Why don't they just focus on trying to gain ground in the US (can't really see that problem in Canada)? Who wants one world league anyway? Enough about that.
I guess I should say something about the Steve Downie incident, since I haven't written any articles since that happened. I think 20 games is more than fair, and it sends a pretty clear message. It's sad that the season hasn't even started before something like this happens. On top of that, the perpetrator is a rookie who has yet to play a regular game in the NHL. Well, now he has to wait for 20 games, and I'm guessing he won't be greeted with applauds where ever his debut may be played. Some people though a fair punishment for Downie would be to ban him from pro-hockey for life, and maybe it would be. It certainly would send a real clear message that the league does not tolerate that kind of misconduct.
2 comments:
20 games for Downie is just and it really comes at no costs as he hasn't even cracked a big-league roster yet (though the AHL in his case has now followed suit). An example was set by the NHL which was warrented and necessary.
What's curious is how the hockey world will look upon Downie in the years to come because of this "first impression". What many don't realize is that this is actually an above-average hockey player we're talking about. He IS a head-case no doubt but this kid has a wealth of talent as well so he should not (only) be confined to goon status.
I saw Downie at a WJC tune-up game between Sweden and Canada at Johanneshovs Arena in Stockholm last winter. It did not take long for him to make an impression. When the first period was over, the players cleared the ice and made their way toward their respective dressing rooms. Well, not all players. Steve Downie remained on the ice for at least another 3-4 minutes and had what appeared to be a very serious discussion with the referee. It wasn't a heated exchange, but both parties took turns at lecturing each other whilst being passed by zambonies. Later in the game, Downie was caught upending a Swede and the play was whistled down. Downie looked up at the ref, smiled, and surrendered a hesitant wave as if to say "I'm sorry". It's obviously not as an intriguing story put in words but, believe me, it was quite the sight being there. Especially seeing how this guy made Team Canada after the infamous hazing incident when he was with Windsor.
Is he a nut-case? Yes. Does he have talent? Yes. But he is also quite the character I assure you. We'll stick a goon label on this guy's back for now and rightly so. But mark my words, this kid will score 30 goals in this league one day. Watch out for the Flyers 2-3 years from now with the cast they'll have down the road. The only missing piece in that organization is, and will always be, finding a bona fide #1 goalie.
Sure he's got loads of talent, this the reason he was the Flyer's number one pick two years ago. That's not the point. People are judged by their actions not who they are. In this case I guess Downie will struggle with a goon-label for a while, or until he proves other wise (which I am sure he will in the years to come).
And yes, they SO need a goalie.
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