After hit to Marchi, some roughing behind Chase. Not sure of penalties yet
— Kimberley Dynamiters (@nitroshockey) October 26, 2013
It appears that Marchi took a shot to the head during the game. Which, if the referee sees it, it is a game misconduct. Which of course when you take out a team's best player, a battle ensues. And if you look at the final three minutes of the game, about 84 minutes worth of penalties were handed out. And you can see that Wilde of the Chase Heat was called for head contact, but somehow Guardiero is the only one with a suspension for multiple fights.
Of course the reaction from most is to ban fighting in hockey, which this is what Nitro's defenceman Dagostin had to say:
Who ever thinks that there is no place for fighting in hockey should go back to watching soccer #hockeytough
— Charles Dagostin (@Yukon_charlie) October 26, 2013
Let's explain the difference here of why one should be banned and not the other. Fighting, is between two consenting individuals that are trying to prove a point or protect a teammate. Yes it is in the moment, which everyone's counsellor is trying to get you to live in the moment. The consequence is an in the moment 10 minute penalty, and typically game misconduct. Headshots, is typically a cowardly act against an unsuspecting opponent (See McCsorley v. Brashear). What's ironic is that there is little punishment for a head shot, a lowly two minutes to the perpetrator and usually a game or two more injury for the victim (notice that Marchi did not dress the following game). And remember, head shots can be career ending. Head shots need to be taken out of the game, immediately. Punishment needs to be dished out accordingly.
This lead to a Nitros fan, Mr. Reid, having this reaction:
After last nights game I question the direction hockey is headed. Actually I know where it is headed. The same direction society has decided to take. No accountability for your actions. We lose our best player to a concussion on a predatory chicken shit hit to the head. Gutless. For the bedwetters out there that want to get fighting out of hockey. You win. I give up. Do you know what kept us safe on the ice and on the street? Was the fear that you would get the shit knocked out of you if you crossed certain lines and disrespected people. Not now. Do whatever you want. There will never be fear of being held responsible for your behavior. Fighting or even the fear of makes the game safer. Fighting is a choice. Getting run from behind by a gutless coward is not.
And I couldn't agree more. KIJHL (and other hockey leagues), start protecting your players, not to mention they are your product, with harsher penalties and suspensions against head shots!
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