It seems that someone of local fame is making the headlines again, this time at the NHL level. Steve Downie, who was a 1st round draft pick for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2005, is again becoming renowned as one of the scoundrels of hockey. Having seemingly moved on from the incident during a Windsor Spitfires practice, where he blindsided teammate Akim Aliu with a cross-check to the mouth, he has been trying to make a case to the Flyers to give him a shot at an NHL job.
Apparently he hasn't grown up much since the incident, which saw him suspended for 5 games, and refuse to step onto the ice again in a Spitfire uniform.
Check out this vicious hit on Dean McAmmond of the Ottawa Senators below.
Steve Downie Destroys Dean McAmmond
As last season featured a number of injuries caused by hits to the head, whether intending to be vicious or not, these dangerous hits have been a kind of hot button issue for the NHL this summer. And surprisingly, they have made a bold move in handing out a 20 game suspension to Steve Downie (the 5th longest in NHL history). All too often, the NHL finds itself only dishing out minor (2-5 game) suspensions for dangerous hits such as Downie's, frightened a bit perhaps by the thoughts of alienating the many fans who enjoy the brutal aspects of the game.
But a fine line has to be drawn between 'dangerous' hits (often with an intent to injure a unsuspecting opponent) and the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em attitude which can bring fans roaring out of their seats. Hockey just wouldn't be the same without the thunder of of the shaking boards after a jarring hit, but attacks akin to Steve Downie's should not be tolerated, and it is nice to see the NHL taking steps to discourage these.
We try to teach our kids respect, both for the game as well as their opponents. Players should never be going into a hit with the intent to leave the opposition senseless, or injured. Players that do so are rightfully referred to as goons and thugs, and take out a lot of fun for the game.
3 comments:
What is up with all the nasty hits already this year? What do you tell the kids you're coaching? It's been really bad so far.
Hey Tom,
I've read this post a number of times and I have wanted to comment for a while but kind of needed to get my thoughts straight. First off, I think labeling Steve Downie one of the "scoundrels of hockey", is a bit harsh. I don't agree with hits which are seen as charging in hockey (a players feet leaving the ice when delivering a hit), but I think it can be put into perspective a little more. He is a young player fighting for a spot on an NHL team. He obviously is looking at a chance to shine and make a statement, so when he saw the opportunity, he took it. It is unfortunate that he got alittle over zealous with his hit, and it turned into an ugly situation. I think players like Downie, who plays with so much heart as evident during last years World Juniors, are fantastic for hockey. I personally enjoy a North American style game. I grew up with it, I played that style when I played. And I also understand what it is like to be earning a spot on a team. So, as much as I think Downie was in the wrong for his hit, we cannot judge him completely as he has a lot of maturing and growing up to do as a player. And for hockey fans I think we can say he reminds us of another player who was labeled as a "scoundrel of hockey", Wendel Clark who became one of the best on and off ice leaders of the 90's.
As far as my insight into these big hits so far this year, I think it has to do with the rules put into place. No where in the NHL rule book does it say no shoulder hits to the head. Players like Jordin Tootoo, Steve Downie and Sean Avery take advantage of this rule. As long as they have their elbows down, head shots are legal and can maybe at most earn them a 2 minutes charging penalty. Players need to understand how to play in the newly christened "Death Valley", the area as you come out from behind the net. Keep your head up and play defensive hockey.
that's my two cents, great blog.
Hi Pat, thanks for the two cents
I'll admit that maybe I was a little harsh in labeling Downie as one of the "scoundrels of hockey", but the truth is this is not the first time he has been involved in such incidents. I agree with you, Downie plays the game with a huge amount of heart and energy, which is one of the things I love most about the game. Hopefully, with a little maturity, he will be able to develop into the complete player he has shown so much promise of becoming.
The NHL is taking steps to try and curb the recent surge of hits to the head. While there might not be a specific penalty for "hit to the head" in the NHL rule book, rules such as "intent to injure" have been in place for a long time, and I think they apply to these types of hits. As well, Before training camps began, the NHL distributed to the teams materials regarding discipline for blows to the head.
They outlined 4 criteria that they would use to dish out additional punishment : when a player targets an opponent's head; when a player launches himself by leaving his feet to hit a player in the head area; when the hit to the head is delivered to an unsuspecting opponent; and the timing or lateness of the hit.
In my opinion, he comes pretty close to fitting all of these. The NHL without a doubt used Downie's hit as an example for the rest of the players. That being said, players skating with their heads down, put themselves in a dangerous position, its one of the big things we try to get across to our players. Heads up hockey!
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