Whether it is in mainstream media, blogs or just around the water cooler, the hit, which caused a severe concussion and fractured cervical vertebra, has been the talk of the league.
The NHL's subsequent ruling on the hit, choosing neither to suspend nor fine Chara for the incident, set the hockey world on fire with players, fans and media alike seemingly polarized on the issue and whether further discipline was required.
It was around that time that I sent out a Tweet, a Facebook message and an email to a few people I know, to get their reactions on the NHL's ruling. Unfortunately, I didn't recieve any response from any Bruins fans or media but I did get a ton of responses from the Habs camp.
In addition, I had a bunch of media people who didn't want me to print a quote from them since they had nothing nice and/or clean to say about the matter!
So, I have compiled some of the responses below for you to see a good cross section of how the world, at least the Habs-world, is feeling about the issue.
Bloggers and Media People
Nick Murdocco, Radio Host, The Franchise weekend morning show on the Team 990.
"My official opinion may never be known. IF Gregory Campbell ever lies motionless on the ice after a similar "hockey play" and Mike Murphy (obviously not Colin Campbell ) decide that no suspension is warranted, then I will know they were being impartial with Pacioretty’s situation. Still blind, barbaric, idiotic and disrespectful towards all players and fans, but impartial nonetheless."
Allen, from Four Habs Fans
"Really, I said it all here and I'll ask you to link to this - http://fourhabsfans.blogspot.com/2011/03/ok-get-out-pitchforks-and-torches-now.html
But here's a sentence in true FHF fashion: F**k the NHL."
Kyle Roussel, Cowhide and Rubber
"Pathetic. From the build up to the event, to the history between the two players, to the sight of the unconscious Pacioretty, to Chara hiding like a coward, and blaming the victim, to the NHL & NHLPA's response, to the Media's lack of sense, to the Canadiens not standing up for their player, this entire debacle is in a word, pathetic."
Brain La Rose, Habsworld.net
"Though I was disappointed to not see Chara get a token game or two due to the seriousness of Pacioretty's injury, I wasn't really surprised. When I saw the hit, my original suspicion was that there would be no suspension; it was just a gut feeling I had and sure enough, it turned out to be right sadly."
Leigh Anne (a.k.a. JT), The H does NOT stand for Habs
"First: There's been a great deal of debate about Chara's intent on the hit. That debate is obscuring the real issue, and that's the lack of consequences for the outcome of his action. Whether he hit Pacioretty on purpose or not is beside the point; the fact remains he seriously hurt another player and should be punished regardless of intent.
Second: There is something seriously wrong with a league in which gesturing at another player to...(perform oral sex)...gets you two games, but breaking a man's neck is a "hockey" play and not worthy of suspension. The NHL was worried young players might emulate Wisniewski's gesture, but apparently has no problem with them emulating Chara."
Eric Engels, Habs writer for CTV and Hockeybuzz.com
"Unless the players take on the role of stimulating drastic change, I've never been more sure that someone will be killed in an NHL game. It's quite clear that the owners, the league, the commissioner and those that are supposed to keep things under control care more about not offending each other than they do protecting their greatest assets: the players."
Steven Hindle, Habs and Capitals writer, Hockeybuzz.com
"Regardless of what the intent was, or who the person throwing the hit was, it was certainly something no one needs to go through.
It was frightening, but more to the point, it was violent and uncalled for. As an ambassador and role model, watching Chara throw this hit just threw me for a loop.
It's hard to argue that Zdeno isn't a respectful player, but having seen what transpired you just have to wonder what he was thinking?"
Sean Coleman, radio producer and co-host, The Team 990, via Facebook
"NHL decision is understandable, yet a touch disappointing. I was hoping for two games. Regardless, it's not as crazy of a decision as people are making it out to be."
Louis Moustakas, blogger for Habsworld.net, via Facebook
"The notion of discerning intent is ridiculous. Regardless of intent, a high-stick is always called a penalty. But when a player's career and quality life are put in jeopardy, the league washes its hands of the incident? We are not in Chara'...s head. We will never really know what he was thinking. Just like with Steckel on Crosby, actions should be punished, not some cockamamie interpretation of intent.
As for the hit itself, given Chara's immense skill, you have to imagine he had some sense of what he was doing and where he was on the ice. Add to that the frustration of losing 4-0 and the history with Pacioretty, it does not paint a pretty picture."
Fans
Rico Calzone, via Facebook
"Should have been at least two intentional or not"
Josh Hanson, via Facebook
"The league has shown that there are double standards. Gillies gets 10 for a late shoulder to shoulder check and Chara gets none for this. Your name bar determines the severity of the penalty you get. Plain and simple."
Gerry Berard, via Facebook
"I'm ashamed to be a hockey fan. I'm 57 years old and learned to love the Habs on my grandmother's knee. There's enough hate in this world; why should I look for more in a game?"
Farooq Zahir, via Facebook
"A player should always be held accountable for his actions, irrespective of the demons in his head (surely Chara has a few of those). Chara broke MaxPac's neck (a la Bertuzzi on Moore) and the NHL did nothing. That's troubling...If you run a red light and get a ticket, does the cop care why you did it? Obviously not. Similarly, if you cause someone to break his neck and almost cripple him, should you not be barred until the player you hurt comes back and plays again....?"
Bryan Willey, via Facebook
"The NHL further cemented itself as a Bush league sport. Americans don't take this seriously because there is no reason to.
Can you imagine a situation when a kid kills another man and then goes to court to Dave, his judge, who happens to be his dad? His dad outright says he cannot lay verdict however my assistant who I hand picked, will. This is the reality that is the NHL.
Wisniewski gets two games for simulating oral sex, Gillies gets 10 games for a late shoulder-to-shoulder hit but Chara, who undeniably hits Pacioretty behind his head and rams his face into a partition, is deemed a good old hockey play.
Congrats NHL on your continuous a**-clownery and inability to ever be taken seriously."
@alexheddle, via Twitter
"plyrs need to b held responsible for their actions on ice. accidental or not, they r responsible for knowing their surroundings"
@Habfan4ever, via Twitter
"Clearly Chara got his hands up and is worse than Gillies by far. Retribution to come."
@dayvee55,, via Twitter
"I'm done with the NHL.The goofballs are running the show,players and management."
@derekdonais, via Twitter
"If it wasn't such a disgusting incident, I'd say it was laughable. An opinion based on a thorough review of his job security." (re: Mike Murphy's decision not to suspend Chara)
@habs89, via Twitter
"NHL's Message - play in the league 13 seasons without suspension and you're free to do what you want to people. Not taking...a player's no suspension history into account means he'll never have a history! NHL is a joke..."
@DannyConcister, via Twitter
"The @NHL will never do anything until someone dies. There's my response."
@MikeGasse, via Twitter
"Six games for insulting a players' gf, two games for a (BJ) gesture...concussion and broken neck: nothing. What a joke.
@Dgrdnr, via Twitter
"The league is not protecting it's players. The judgement should have been based on consequences, not intent.
@dereklachine, via Twitter
"Go on any forum right now. Not just CH Fans are calling for suspension: TOR, PHI, EVEN Bruins are. A sad day for all NHL fans."
@mcdonellm, via Twitter
"Colin Campbell has a conflict of interest with the bruins."
@Mark_Haughey, via Twitter
"Disgusting decision, if Habs player takes matters into own hands next game I guarantee they will be suspended."
@PlaneteSFG55, via Twitter
"Im honestly waiting for the NHL to come out and say "ok, ok, we were just joking guys! u didnt think we were serious, did u?"
@Sheldon_egg, via Twitter
"Typical NHL ruling. No anger or surprise here. Another dropped ball by a Mickey Mouse league. At least Patches is gonna be ok."
@shmitzysays, via Twitter
"Funny, because I personally thought the near death part kind of ruined a good hockey game. Silly me."
@KingofRoncy, via Twitter
"ADD in to the article that the #nhl has to look at a safer stanchion perhaps angled to deflect or better padded?"
@Ayan_SB, via Twitter
"Chara for the Lady Byng award!"
@Habs514, via Twitter
"As I just tweeted, Avery and Wiz's actions were seen more horribly than Chara's. NHL is about image. Not about the players."
@RoseyLaRose78, via Twitter
"Decision bothers and makes me question the #NHL. They want hits to head gone, but guess not. Fails like this = bad retribution."
@Jeffery_James, via Twitter
"Chara meant to interfere and the consequence was a serious injury! Appalled there's no discipline."
@greysonknutson, via Twitter
"Just cuz it's a bad spot on the ice doesn't mean Chara didn't know what he was doing. Unbelievable, poor Patches, not fair."
@gmjrb, via Twitter
"I'm going to take a break from the NHL for a while. Here in Kitchener, that'll be easy. Its all Leafs all the time."
@despisethesun, via Twitter
"Absolutely disgusting. No other hockey league would've let it go w/out discipline. The @NHL doesn't care about player safety."
@hirky13, via Twitter
"The ruling is ridiculous, just ask the Wiz, who was disciplined for a 'hand gesture'."
@Neweradisco87, via Twitter
"Unbelievable. The NHL's priority is not what is best for players but for themselves. Does someone need to die for change?"
@crussellp, via Twitter
"Time for Gary Bettman, Murphy and Campbell to take in a game in MTL. #NewMTLRiots"
@SeriousFan09, via Twitter
"My short response, the NHL is simply corrupt and doesn't care about player health. They think nearly dying makes Good TV."
@llwillia, via Twitter
"Today is a watershed moment for the #nhl. They had the opportunity to do the right thing and lead by example and failed."
@onewayforever, via Twitter
"Not attending nor watching a NHL game until next season. This one is over anyway."
So the people have spoken and we know how they feel. What I want to know from you is with all the momentum building to change with the way the NHL deals with these head shots and concussions, what, if anything, do you think will be the ultimate outcome?
The GM meetings are taking place in Florida and this issue is at the top of the list. So what will the league do? What should they do?
Will they implement new rules? Tougher regulation? Stiffer suspension?
---
Kamal is a freelance Habs writer, Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com, Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com and Habs writer on TheFranchise.ca. Kamal is also a weekly contributor to the Sunday Shinny on The Team 990 (AM 990) every Sunday from 8 - 9 AM. Listen live at http://www.team990.com/
8 comments:
Blog locked on HB.
LOL.
Wow! Nice work!
My piece was submitted obviously before Geoff Molson spoke up, but I still stand by the rest.
@anon: Really it got locked? What does that even mean? I think that is a reflection of some serious fighting going on in the comment section, no?
@kyle: Thanks man and thanks for your insightful feedback too!
Yep, it was nice to see Molson and co. speak up. Something tells me that this is the start and not the end of this issue.
Hopefully this incident can act as a catalyst for change because heaven knows the league needs it!
whoa whoa whoa, I would NEVER use inappropriate language when discussing the NHL. False representation!
The NHL can kiss my a**
Great to see everyone's views. Here is my take:
I , too have 30+years as a player, coach and referee in hockey at all minor league levels. The Chara hit disturbed me in many ways. Hockey has been played for over 100 years and changes to the game have always come to make the game better and fairer. What most fans have seen over the last few years, is the NHL players are getting concussed more now. Crosby being out has only heightened the awareness of the problem. Probert & Fleming diagnoses of CTE again worsened this fear. It should not be simply dismissed. The game has become faster because the rules changed in the NHL to stop the interference. The rules of the game are all there to stop what is happening in the NHL but they have to be enforced. I have, since I was a kid wondered, why is it that the NHL does not seem to have the same penalties for the infractions as we do? The NHL is not the leader for safer or better hockey. Kids have always followed NHL Players' actions but do we really want our kids acting this way? The NHL has a catch 22, if there are to be changes, it must be the same from the ground up every where. Some provinces and countries have different philosophies, checking rules and teaching techniques. Players in the NHL come from around the globe now as well. The NHL has to reteach how to check an opponent and that the purpose of body checking is not for intimidation but simply for regaining possession of the puck. The NHL hits today do neither. I hear to often that the player was just finishing his hit and didn't intend to injure the player, well then why do it? Finishing the hit after the puck is gone seems ridiculous since the puck is no longer there to possess anyway, therefore the hit only serves to intimidate, injure or for revenge. Chara's body check was deemed illegal on the ice by referees because the puck was no longer there. The body check was clearly serving one of the three reasons I stated before, but only Chara knows which. The reason the NHL could not give a suspension now was because it only would show their incompetence in not correcting the stanchion problems and that they failed to act all the previous times this infraction occured. This is just another problem which was ignored again by the NHL while failing to make changes for the betterment of the game. People who really love the game of hockey must continue to demand changes not in the rules so much as the attitudes toward how they are enforced and how the game is played.
Ref Whistle
http://thepenaltycall.blogspot.com/
@HabsFan29: LOL! No, of course not! That wouldn't be in FHF style now would it? ;-)
@RefWhistle: So well said my friend, and thanks for your insight!
I think you hit the nail on the head when you look at the main reason for the body check: to separate the man from the puck. That is what it is for but it seems to have morphed into something more insidious than that.
The bottom line is that the players do not have enough respect for each other out there and people are getting hurt because of it.
Back in the day when they played with no helmets and slight padding, the hits weren't as vicious because the player doing the hitting was afraid to get hurt too.
Nowadays they are like gladiators out there and the fact that the hitter is so well protected lends to them doling out more vicious checks.
It seems like all the noise that Montreal is making is perhaps starting to make a difference as the league is implementing a 5-point plan to address the issue.
Hopefully they can make some serious changes before someone actually dies on the ice.
let's see: Pacioretty runs Eaton from behind , runs Lundqvist, pushes Chara for no reason, slew-foots McQuaid, and knocks a Tampa player through the open gate at the Montreal bench. Every time an opponent went looking for him, he answered the bell by turtling all over the ice. Pacioretty is a very irritating and dangerous player. Hopefully, everybody learned something from this episode, including Pacioretty.
Hi there Mike and thanks for your comment!
Judging from the tone of your message you are a Bruins fan. Am I right?
Actually, it's nice to have a view from the other side so, truly, thanks for posting your comment!
While I fully understand how Pacioretty can drive opposing fans crazy, there is no way he is a dirty player. I'll agree that the shove on Chara, while not the end of the world, shouldn't have happened.
He was pumped from having scored the winner and got a little over zealous. That being said, he is not an dirtier than any player out there in the league.
Many players on every team go for slew-foots...should they? No. But do they? Yes.
But that is where the refs need to step in and penalize them.
Think about it this way...how freaking horrible would it be for you, as a Bruins fan, to play AGAINST Milan Lucic?
You'd probably hate him too and come up with reasons why he is a dirty player.
As someone who covers the team, I have developed a little perspective...perspective that most (habs) fans don't have.
That being said, I know that people in Montreal can't stand Lucic. And I can understand that, because he is a pain in the ass for the Habs to play against.
Just imagine if he was skating against, instead of for the Bruins. Same thing for Chara. Same thing for Pacioretty.
If Patches played for the Bs, you wouldn't have anything bad to say about him.
The bottom line here is that irregardless or whether Pacioretty is or isn't a dirty player, he was severely injured by an illegal play (intereference) and for that, Chara should have been suspended, imo.
Not for ten games and likely only for one or two...but he should have gotten something.
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