Sometime over the summer the National Hockey League grew some teeth, either that or new head league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan simply 'gets it' in a way Colin Campbell never really could. It's likely a combination but the result is suspensions for dirty hits that would seem to be real deterrents.
On Sept. 22, 2011 Shanahan meted out his first 2 suspensions, both for hits from behind in games early in the NHL's exhibition season. Calgary Flame forward Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond got 5 games for whacking Vancouver Canuck Matt Clackson from behind while Philadelphia Flyer Jody Shelley, a repeat offender, gets10 games for a hit on Toronto Maple Leaf Darryl Boyce
Shanahan provided a video of himself walking through his reasoning. He detailed each hit, where the player who got hit was, how vulnerable he was, and what the offending player did that he should not have done. For each hit a defenceless player was hit from behind and into the boards by a player who could have avoided doing so.
Shanahan Videos for Illegal Hits
There will be those who suggest that Jody Shelley's hit was bad enough that his suspension could have been longer. But 10 games is a territory rarely visited in all Colin Campbell's years in the same seat as Shanahan so it may represent relief for some fans who tire of such hits.
“Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass," Shanahan said. "Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither. Shelley’s two suspensions last season weighed heavily in this decision."
While Boyce, whose nose was broken in the play, defended his assailant, citing the speed of the game and saying Jody Shelley is "not that kind of a player" Maple Leaf coach Ron Wilson was having none of it. “He got what he deserved,” Wilson said. “We’ve been watching the video. He gave him an extra shove.”
Money Lost for NHL Suspensions
The hit by Letourneau-Leblond did not come from as far behind his victim and nor was he a repeat offender. The 26-year-old journeyman plays the tough guy role. All his 37 NHL games have been with the New Jersey Devils; he has 3 career points, all assists. Letourneau-Leblond will miss the 4 remaining Calgary preseason games and their first regular season game.
Shelley, 35, will lose over $67,000 in salary and miss 5 exhibition games and 5 regular season games. He was twice suspended for 2 games last season. He's played 596 NHL games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers and Philly and has 18 goals, 35 assists for 53 NHL points.
There was no comment on the suspensions from Colin Campbell, who remains a Director of Hockey Operations with the NHL.
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