Was Branch too Harsh on Liambis?

I think public opinion is pretty one-sided against the punishment handed down to Erie player Michael Liambas. In fact, I have not seen anyone in favor of Branch’s punishment.

I’m going to take the opposite side of this argument.

This penalty to Liambas was harsh, sure, but it was appropriate. It was a new benchmark for reckless play. Fanelli literally got his head crushed. That CANNOT be met with shrugs and the classic “that’s good, hard hockey” mentality.

No, there has to be more discussion than this. There has to be something.

For those who have not seen it, here’s a video of the hit that has caused such a stir:

It’s not normal, nor is it acceptable that a kid (or anyone for that matter) ends up in a hospital in critical condition for several days because of something that is considered “legal” and “clean”.  I know that these injuries were caused by mutliple factors: Fanelli turned slightly at the last moment. His helmet was not on properly. I am also aware that Fanelli’s head striking the glass is what caused his injuries. I’ll acknowledge that a puck to the face or a skate to the throat could have a similar result. Those types of accidents are almost exclusively random by nature and not preventable. Hitting like a freight train is entirely preventable. Going full speed at a player who is no longer in the play is not right. You can finish a check without trying to put him in to the cheap seats.  This is not even about Liambas and Fanelli in the grand scheme of things. Bigger problems are brewing for hockey.

Hockey’s rock ‘em sock ‘em hero worship has had it’s day. 20 years ago guys could hit hard, but not as hard as players hit each other today. It’s bordering on excessive now. We see the rash of major injuries to the head and otherwise in the NHL, and everyone just sits there flaps their arms about it, but ultimately does nothing. At best there are impotent measures handed out to 3rd & 4th liners. This is not effective. Players are hell bent on putting together highlight reels of themselves, and devastating killshot-type hits are attention grabbers, let’s not sugar coat that or pretend it isn’t there.

What David Branch has done is drawn a line in the sand when nobody else will. Would he have given the same penalty to an 18 year old set to be drafted in the 1st round of the NHL draft? Hard to say, but he’s taken a step in that direction and he’s made it entirely possible that he may do that one day. I point to this blog post (and attached TED conference video): http://www.christopherspenn.com/2009/10/28/heroism-as-the-antidote-to-evil/. The point of that blog and video echoes what is at the heart of the matter here: that someone needs to take a “heroic” action when nobody else will. Branch is not afraid to rock the boat for what he believes to be best for his players safety (and no, I don’t mean to say that suspending a role player in a junior league makes Branch an instant hero, but it makes him progressive and proactive). He is to be respected for that.

I’m not advocating that hockey games look like the NHL all star game. I enjoy chippy hockey. I like the rough stuff. But let’s all agree that sports have to evolve. The change in rules a few years back was a revolution, the next step is figuring out ways to limit these silly needless injuries. Guys are bigger, stronger, faster than EVER before. Equipment meant to protect is now part & parcel of the weaponry.

What’s always been considered legal and clean in hockey may not be anymore. Whereas wars were once fought hand-to-hand with spears, bows & arrows, and swords, we now use laser guided missiles and advanced electronics and unmanned aircraft to do the dirty work. When the right to bear arms was written, I don’t think those who wrote it thought 200 years down the line to a time when people would be shooting each other up for the fun of it, or to steal someone’’s iPods. Would they have written differently knowing the mess it has caused today? Evolution is required. Just because something has always been a certain way, does not mean that way SHOULD and MUST be the way it continues to be.

The same applies to hockey. We tend to say this is the way that hockey has always been, and always should be. That’s  certainly not very enlightened. I’ve learned enough about hockey’s past to know that these types of devastating hits did not happen 25 years ago. Not with the violence and frequency that we see today. Yes, we’ve had the rock ‘em sock ‘em culture for decades, but before  Scott Stevens (who in opinion was the first to bring in these knock out hits and make them popular) it took an entire season’s worth of hard contact to put together one of Don Cherry’s Rock ‘em Sock ‘em videos . Now you can probably put together a full length movie on a monthly basis, and not show the same crushing hit twice. Note: I’m not blaming Don Cherry personally. That was the way hockey was then. When kids end up in the hospital clinging to life, there has to be a change, or at the VERY least, a serious discussion that doesn’t spin in circles.

I feel bad for Liambas. That he can’t sleep, that he’s devastated by what’s happened. By the perception of him that is out there. I don’t fault him for this. He did was he was coached to do, and more likely what is expected of him by this modern hockey culture. I fault the culture of hockey, and the failure of hockey’s leadership to recognize what is going on today. And shame on them if they recognized it and did nothing.

We are getting closer and closer to the point where either a kid or a pro will die in front of our eyes on the ice. Will we shrug then and say “it was a clean hit that just happened to kill him. Tragic, but let’s not change the game because one person died”? Sounds absurd doesn’t it? I know players acknowledge the risk involved with the violent sport they play. If we considered the worst and Fanelli were to pass away from his injuries, Liambas would be going to jail for manslaughter. He should consider himself lucky that Fanelli has seemed to improve and that he’s only lost his ability to play his last year of junior. We have to understand that we were on the razor’s edge of that scenario. Fanelli could have died. He may never play hockey again. He may have health problems down the line because of this. And we chalk it up to “that’s hockey” and move along? Without even considering what can be done to prevent it? Completely unacceptable in my view.

All this being said, what Branch has done is not a solution to what’s going on. Juniors and pros alike will not remember the year-long suspension to Liambas in the heat of the moment, especially not if it is summarily dismissed as is currently being done by most fans and experts. And let’s not go with the “if his chin strap was properly done up this would not have happened” talk. That’s lazy and dismisses the larger issue here. The suspension will at least serve notice that you will be held accountable for what you do on the ice, but at some point there needs to be an evolution in how the game is taught and played and what is considered to be “clean and legal”. We are coming to the point where “clean and legal” is becoming interchangeable with “mean and lethal”. That’s not good sport. That’s bloodsport, and I have no interest in it. But if players continue to get their heads smashed like this, it will not be long until some government pokes their head in and starts asking questions. Then we’ll have a real problem on our hands because at that point it will be too late to discuss. Sure some, if not most will bitch and moan and spit at the government to get out of sports; that there other things to worry about. And they’d be right, but the headless chickens that run hockey make half-hearted changes, or will do what they do best – absolutely nothing. David Branch is getting the ball rolling and unfortunately for Liambas, he will probably be relegated to being the answer to some trivia question in some trivia book.

Have the discussion now before it’s too late.

Let’s have our own discussion; please leave your comments below for or against. Thanks for reading!

The 10 Strangest Goals Ever Scored in the NHL

It’s amazing what video footage has been collected over the year with respect to the National Hockey League and the number of strange goals that have been scored.

What is most amazing in this video is just how often, in recent years, that goals have resulted from the puck hitting a player in the face.  I honestly can’t believe how happy some of these guys are after they take a puck to the mug!

Enjoy this of the Top 10 Strangest Goals

Video courtesy of TSN.

NHL 2K10 Video Game Review

The following video is a visual and feature rundown of what the new NHL 2K10 video game which will be available in stores on September 13, 2009 for all video game platforms (Wii, PS3 and XBox 360). Or, you can order now on Amazon.com for $49.99.

Some of the highlights of what is in store for the NHL 2K10 version include the following:

• Enhanced franchise mode
• Improved Goal Celebrations – including Ovechkin’s “Hot Stick”
• GM mode uses either of team budget or actual NHL salary cap
• Enhanced “Stumbleshots”
• Upgraded control options for the Wii platform

…more features outlined in the video below.

Not sure why they would want to “slow the game down”, many gamers enjoy the speed of sports games and speed is what makes the real life version of hockey so exciting!

Any hardcore gamers out there want to chime in? Please drop your thoughts in the comments!

Hockey Thoughts for 2009-07-04

• #Blackhawks could be in serious trouble due to improper qualifying offers! (Not a joke) http://ff.im/-4Me4j #
• Lots of player movement, but little improvement says Duhatschek http://ff.im/-4Mhbp #
• The Colorado Avalanche have traded Ryan Smyth to the Los Angeles Kings. Details to follow http://ff.im/-4Mq17 #
• On this note…I’m heading to bed http://bit.ly/PQ5wG
  No way to top that tonight I’m afraid! #
• NHL Free Agency Drama http://ff.im/-4MtL1 #
• Thanks to those who have already commented on my NHL Free Agency Drama post! http://ff.im/-4MtL1 Happy 4th of July to my USA Tweeps! #
• Mike Knuble was born on the 4th of July! The newest hockey player in the nation’s capital was born on Independence… http://ff.im/-4Nsxf #
• 4th of July Question – Who is America’s Best Hockey Player? http://ff.im/-4NRl1 #

How To Find Great Hockey Posters

I have spent quite some time talking about cool hockey collectibles including my favorite autograph and my favorite hockey card, but I haven’t yet talked about one of my most favorite items that graced the walls of my childhood bedroom…the hockey posters!

If you have a “hockey shrine” in your house like I do, then you will certainly have some decorative hockey photographs or posters. If you don’t, I suggest checking out the NHL Posters at All Posters.com to find a huge selection of reasonably priced posters.

Framed Hockey Prints

They have a huge selection of regular photos and poster prints, but I was most impressed with the selection and style of the Framed NHL Prints available.

Here is one of my favorite examples of the framed NHL memorabilia available.

Buy The 1980 U.S. Champion Framed Hockey Print Here

NHL Player Posters

Every hockey player, at least when they were young, had posters of their favorite players over their bed – I know I did. All Posters also has a vast selection of current NHL Player posters in various sizes, like this cool one of Sidney Crosby.

Buy This Sidney Crosby Poster

If you would like to search a poster of your favorite player, just type the name in the search box below to see samples of the posters available – it’s that easy!

Search For Hockey Posters!

There you have it hockey fans! I hope that you find that perfect poster you were looking for to complete your own hockey shrine!

NHL Trade Deadline 2008 Recap

Yesterday was trade deadline day. Was anybody else bored? Even with the number of total players on the move, I expected even more movement.

Surprise Deal of The Day

I was a little surprised Glen Sather of the NYR traded highly touted goalie prospect Al Montoya to The Coyotes along with Marcel Hossa. The Rangers got back Fredrik Sjostrom, goalie prospect David Leneveu and tough guy Josh Gratton along with a conditional draft pick.

Winner: In this trade it has to be Phoenix.Hossa is a pretty good player and Montoya is going to be a great goalie one day If all his hype and scouting reports are true.

The “Are You Kidding Me” Trade of the Day

I thought the oddest trade was the Islanders trading Chris Simon to the Minnesota Wild for a 6th rounder in 08.The winner the Islanders. Great job in even being able to find a trading partner for this guy. Let alone getting a 6th rounder.
How many enforcers do the Wild need?
The Wild have one of the toughest guys in the NHL in Derek “boogie man” Boogaard. They also Have a guy that will toss em’ with anyone in the league in Todd Fedoruk. And now they have Chris Simon.

I would cut off my left pinky finger for a Anaheim Ducks and Minnisota Wild playoff series.

Most Interesting Trade

The “hmmmmmmmm” trade of the day has to be Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pens for Angelo Esposito, Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen along with a 1st round pick in 08.

On paper the Penguins power play looks absolutely stunning. Having to penalty kill against Sidney Crosby-Hossa-Evgeni Malkin with Gonchar and Whitney on the blue line will make any opposing team pee a little bit with fear. But who knows, maybe Hossa won’t fit.

This trade looks good but it’s all going to be in the in chemistry. Please remember the New York Rangers all those years with those “money” players. They couldn’t gel. Even ask the St.Louis Blues from that one year they had Gretzky and all those stars.

NO CHEMISTRY= NO CUP!

The Winner (as of right now?!) I would give a slight edge to the Penguins but not by much.

Colby Armstrong is a pretty decent third liner. Angelo Esposito seems to have the upside of Alexander Daigle. Christensen has 20 pts in 49 games this season. Plus they got a 1st rounder in 08 in what is looking like a really deep draft. So that 1# pick could turn out to be really good.

And who knows, will Marian Hossa even re-sign there? Can the Penguins afford to keep him after this season?

Bonehead Deal of The Day

Guess who is the number one goalie for Montreal Canadiens going into the playoffs?
Carey Price!

Montreal traded Cristobal Huet to the Caps for a 2nd round pick in 2009.

Bob Gainey couldn’t even get a 2nd round pick in the much deeper 08 draft? WOW

If I was Carey Price right now I would have the biggest ego and a huge mass of confidence.
The most successful franchise in NHL history just put a massive amount of confidence in him and gave him the number one goalie, franchise tag.

I don’t really understand this move by Gainey.

Ok Ok you’re probably thinking “well, don’t they have insurance in a backup goalie?”
No. Jaroslav Halak is the back up. remember Halak…the one who recently required “farm conditioning”.

Hey Mr.Gainey…..Why didn’t you get a back up that had experience at least?

I have watched Montreal a lot on TV this year (thanks again CBC for Toronto- Montreal games every week)

I thought Montreal was the team to beat in the East. They have wonderful chemistry on that team. But to win you need a goalie and I am sorry, Carey Price will be good one day, But he is not going to lead this team all the way.

Winner: CAPS

One of Tampa’s “BIG THREE” Was Finally Moved

Brad Richards along with goalie Johan Holmqvist are off to the Lone Star State to become “Stars”. The Lightning got back a promising goalie in Mike Smith, Shootout master Jussi Jokinen, along with Jeff Halpern and a 4th rounder in 09.

I see this being a pretty good trade for Dallas. If Marty Turco gets over his choking epidemic in the playoffs, we could be seeing the Stars going deep in the playoffs this spring.

Brett Hull wanted to make a big deal and he did make a big deal and a great one too.

Winner: Dallas

The “Wait and See” Deal of The Day

Buffalo Sabres fans have been pretty spoiled the last few years being able to cheer for a highly entertaining and winning team.

What I want to know is what the heck did Sabres fans do to the hockey gods!!!!

While the Sabres were the team to beat last year, they just simply ran out of gas.

Then came the summer that broke the hearts of Sabres fans every where. “Little Munchkin” Danny Briere left to be with his Buddy, Marty Biron, in Philly. Captain Clutch, Chris Drury, left for his boyhood team in the Big Apple and Teppo Numminen hasn’t played a game this year due to health problems.

What else could go wrong?

Well yesterday another crack went into Sabres fans hearts.
All-star defenseman Brian Campbell left to San Jose along with a 7th round pick in ‘08 in exchange for Steve Bernier and a 1st rounder in 08.

Buffalo is known for being a soft team. With some moves this year I really hope they are moving in a more “tougher” direction. They picked up Nolan Pratt earlier this year to toughen the blue line. I know, it’s Nolan Pratt, but at least it’s a guy who hits. Clarke Macarthur was brought up and has looked good. Patrick Kaleta too. Yesterday they got a guy who will hit anything and is BIG force. He can put the odd puck in the net as well.

Positive signs?

Sure Brian Campbell is fun to watch skating up the ice doing his little 180 degree turns past defenseman. However, he also has a lot of bad passes, takes games off. In my opinion, I am glad the Sabres did this. Campbell was offered a 3 year deal believed to be in the neighborhood of $6M a year. The deal wasn’t long enough for Brian so he wouldn’t sign. Good! Brian you aren’t worth that money.

The experts say the Sabres got robbed in the deal…I don’t think so.

Why would Regier want to risk losing another player to UFA and not getting anything back in return? The Sabres got a player that has upside and that can play now.
They also got a 1st round pick in a deep ‘08 draft. Sure, the draft pick most likely won’t pan out for a couple of years, but in a draft with a lot of talent it’s worth the wait.

The Sharks get Brian Campbell. A mobile puck moving defenseman which is exactly what they need.

Winner: The Sharks are the winner as of right now, but who to say Campbell even re-signs there in the summer? If he doesn’t re-up with San Jose, then the Sabres will be the winner.

Canadian team Deadline Re-Cap

• Ottawa did nothing about their goalie situation.

• Calgary did nothing

• Kevin Lowe’s fax machine was broken or something

• Vancouver had an arsenal to deal, but did nothing.

• Toronto got rid of some salary and Mats Sundin can keep making chunky soup commercials in a Leafs jersey, not to mention play at the fine golf courses around the greater Toronto area.

• Montreal did make a deal, but moved backwards instead of forward.

That’s my take on the deals that were at the 2008 NHL Trade Deadline. For nhldigest.com…I’m Neil Bristow.