Thursday, July 02, 2009
Headlines of July 2009
racking the daily headlines for the month of July.
July 17-- NHLPA recommends players skip on-ice camp activities
July 16-- Supreme Court rules Aquilini is Canucks’ owner
July 15-- Bettman says NHL is strong despite economy
July 14-- Free agency debacle costs Blackhawks GM Tallon his job
July 13-- Jacques Lemaire is the 'right man' for the job
July 12-- McGrattan gives Flames enforcer
July 11-- Numerous free agents available
July 10-- Gretzky fights release of financials
July 9-- 'So many great memories'
July 8-- Tavares welcomed as new face of the Islanders
July 7-- Joe Sakic: A class act hangs ’em up
July 6-- Kovalev signs two-year deal with Senators
July 5-- Gretzky caught off guard
July 4-- Canucks make room for Samuelsson
July 3-- Heatley deal in 'no man's land': Melnyk
July 2-- Breaking down Team Canada's summer squad choices
July 1-- NHL free agency roundup
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July 17-- NHLPA recommends players skip on-ice camp activities
July 16-- Supreme Court rules Aquilini is Canucks’ owner
July 15-- Bettman says NHL is strong despite economy
July 14-- Free agency debacle costs Blackhawks GM Tallon his job
July 13-- Jacques Lemaire is the 'right man' for the job
July 12-- McGrattan gives Flames enforcer
July 11-- Numerous free agents available
July 10-- Gretzky fights release of financials
July 9-- 'So many great memories'
July 8-- Tavares welcomed as new face of the Islanders
July 7-- Joe Sakic: A class act hangs ’em up
July 6-- Kovalev signs two-year deal with Senators
July 5-- Gretzky caught off guard
July 4-- Canucks make room for Samuelsson
July 3-- Heatley deal in 'no man's land': Melnyk
July 2-- Breaking down Team Canada's summer squad choices
July 1-- NHL free agency roundup
Labels: Headlines of July 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tavares tapped as Number one overall
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Despite all the talk of major movement on the draft order, or the suggestion that there may be a surprise or two in the early going, in the end ,1, 2, 3 went pretty well as expected..
At 7:18 pm The New York Islanders paid back the patience and long held support of their fans by actually making a sensible and possibly team changing draft selection.
GM Garth Snow, exorcised the selection ghosts of Mike Milbury on Friday night, when he announced John Tavares as the Number one pick in the 2009 draft. While there was some thought that Swedish sensation Victor Hedman, one of the most talked about defensive talents to come out of Modo in a number of years, might move up to number one, in the end the Islanders chose offensive output over defensive skills.
For the Islanders it may be an indication that a more offensive oriented attack, built around Tavares talents with the puck may be the future for the struggling franchise.
Over the years, their draft day choices and deadline deal trades have been less than successful, leaving the once dominant team to languish at the bottom of the standings. Indeed they can thank their draft status to their on ice troubles, though unlike years in the past, this time they have chosen to go the route of the draft rather than trade away the pick for short term relief.
The first round proved to be a rather successful endorsement of the Canadian Hockey League and of the Western League in particular.
Of the top ten picks of the thirty picks of round number one, four were from the WHL, three were from the OHL and Swedish hockey provided three placements as well.
Overall in the top thirty picks the OHL placed 7 draft picks this year, the WHL 5, Swedish hockey 7, the Quebec League sent 4 to the NHL, US college, high school or developmental hockey 6 and the Alberta Junior A ranks send one.
You can view all of the first round picks from the NHL draft tracker page here.
Among all the order of draft day one rather large trade was negotiated, as Chris Pronger once again will don new duds this fall, this time as part of the Philadelphia Flyers, heading to Anaheim will be Joffery Lupul, Luca Sbisa, and first-round picks in 2009 and 2010 as well as a conditional third-round pick in 2010 or 2011
Round one was televised live on TSN across Canada and on Versus in the USA, the TSN broadcast offered up many of the same kind of dramatics as the Trade Deadline coverage does, with instant analysis and interviews.
An interesting feature of the broadcast was the live microphone attached to Brian Burke, which recorded his thoughts as the night progressed, though at times Burke resembled one of the old Muppet guy's in the balcony as his trading portion of draft day slowed to a crawl and he watched as other GM's made what he considered to be less than sensible moves.
The remainder of this years draft pool will be selected on Saturday, broadcast on The NHL Network.
Globe and Mail-- Isles make Tavares their man
Globe and Mail-- Burke says Kadri was always his top pick
National Post-- Islanders ready for 'bright future' with Tavares
Newsday-- Islanders take Tavares with No. 1 pick
CBC-- Islanders thrilled with Tavares' arrival
Labels: Round one of the 2009 NHL draft
Trade winds gusting on the Saint Lawrence
The NHL's scouts, GM's, Presidents and such all gather this weekend in Montreal to introduce the class of 2009 to their new employers, that as the NHL Draft gets set to get underway later this afternoon.
But while the youngsters ponder their future, some more established NHLers may soon be filling out change of address cards at their local post office as well.
The trade winds are picking up force in Montreal today, the normal course of draft day deliberations as NHL GM's work out their cap space and put together potential trade packages that could land them a coveted first round pick or just as importantly move some key pieces into place for the coming season.
Besides the disgruntled Dany Heatley who has put Ottawa in a rather poor bargaining position with his very public demands for a trade, some other key names are being dangled as potential deal makers this weekend.
With San Jose's continuing problems in making much progress in the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's anticipated that a few of the 2008-09 Sharks will no longer be in teal when the GM's begin to deal.
The always popular bait of Chris Pronger is apparently being cast out on the trade waters and Vincent Lecavalier complete with his rewarding contract may be offered up by the troubled Lightning, many in attendance at the Bell Centre show today will no doubt be hoping that the Molson Brothers with their new/old investment back in the family will make the splash of the proceedings with a bid for the services of Vinny, a move to bringn Lecavalier to Montreal would certainly seal the approval deal for Montreals tranfer of power (and financial resources).
It will be quite interesting to see how the process evolves over the next 24 hours, it could be that the biggest names of the draft won't be the much anticipated youngsters eager to start their careers, but instead some of the more established stars of the game looking to start anew.
Globe and Mail-- Trade winds hit Montreal
National Post-- Going fishing
Canadian Press-- Plenty of trade buzz as NHL executives convene for draft in Montreal
Ottawa Citizen-- Not one Heatley offer yet
USA Today-- Bruins GM wants trade for better first-round pick
ESPN-- Latest rumblings: Habs busy, Leafs talking trade, Ducks and Wings figuring out cap picture
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But while the youngsters ponder their future, some more established NHLers may soon be filling out change of address cards at their local post office as well.
The trade winds are picking up force in Montreal today, the normal course of draft day deliberations as NHL GM's work out their cap space and put together potential trade packages that could land them a coveted first round pick or just as importantly move some key pieces into place for the coming season.
Besides the disgruntled Dany Heatley who has put Ottawa in a rather poor bargaining position with his very public demands for a trade, some other key names are being dangled as potential deal makers this weekend.
With San Jose's continuing problems in making much progress in the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's anticipated that a few of the 2008-09 Sharks will no longer be in teal when the GM's begin to deal.
The always popular bait of Chris Pronger is apparently being cast out on the trade waters and Vincent Lecavalier complete with his rewarding contract may be offered up by the troubled Lightning, many in attendance at the Bell Centre show today will no doubt be hoping that the Molson Brothers with their new/old investment back in the family will make the splash of the proceedings with a bid for the services of Vinny, a move to bringn Lecavalier to Montreal would certainly seal the approval deal for Montreals tranfer of power (and financial resources).
It will be quite interesting to see how the process evolves over the next 24 hours, it could be that the biggest names of the draft won't be the much anticipated youngsters eager to start their careers, but instead some of the more established stars of the game looking to start anew.
Globe and Mail-- Trade winds hit Montreal
National Post-- Going fishing
Canadian Press-- Plenty of trade buzz as NHL executives convene for draft in Montreal
Ottawa Citizen-- Not one Heatley offer yet
USA Today-- Bruins GM wants trade for better first-round pick
ESPN-- Latest rumblings: Habs busy, Leafs talking trade, Ducks and Wings figuring out cap picture
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mats Sundin won't play in Vancouver........... in the 2010 Olympics
"I think it's time that the next generation takes over. We have many good players.”-- Mats Sundin outlining why he won't be donning a Swedish sweater at the 2010 Olympics.
With his nod to the new generation, Mats Sundin officially advised Swedish hockey on Sunday that he won't be suiting up for Sweden in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics.
Sundin, who last won a gold medal with Sweden in the 2006 Olympics will apparently call on those memories for his scrapbook, feeling that the future of Swedish success relies more on the shoulders of fellows named Sedin, Alfredsson, Backstrom, Ericsson, Huselius et al.
And while he won't be appearing in Vancouver during the Olympics, that doesn't mean that he won't be seen at GM Place next season. While he's still thinking it over, he says there's chance he will return to Vancouver for the 2009-10 season, or perhaps in a visiting uniform as Sundin will become a free agent on July 1st .
Sundin told reporters in Stockholm on Sunday that he would take some time over the next few weeks to think over his future and will make a decision over the summer months.
Labels: Mats Sundin won't play for Sweden at Olympics
Branding time at the Flaming C ranch
If the reports out of the farmlands of Alberta are correct, the Calgary Flames are about ready to announce the name of their newest coach and for those that found Brent Sutter's sudden departure from New Jersey interesting, the next announcement we hear may be positively conspirational for more than a few in the league.
The clock is ticking it seems towards an announcement within 48 hours which will see General Manager Darryl Sutter turn over the coaching reins to his brother Brent, solidifying the Sutter grip on the southern Alberta franchise, and confirming what just about everyone thought was going to happen when Brent left the collegial atmosphere of Lou Lamoriello's Devils.
And while the announcement will come as not much of a surprise, it will probably provoke one or two comments that the nature of it's genesis doesn't seem right. When brother Sutter left the Devils, more than one person suggested that there should be a one year minimum cooling off period, where he would have to sit out the year in the NHL as penance for his early departure from the Devils.
It's an issue that won't be stirring up much debate in southern Alberta, though the folks up north might like to make a little noise with it for old times animosity sake. And we suspect that in order for Brent to try and put back together the Flames his former team will be provided with a wonderful parting gift on his behalf.
More importantly, considering the troubles that are dogging Gary Bettman at the moment, there's a very good chance he won't even offer an opinion on this one, letting it slide under the NHL radar, like more than a few interesting items seem to these days.
Once the announcement is made however (providing it comes forth) one has to wonder if not the floodgates will have been opened for the coaching carousel, where asking out of a contract one day could morph into a better opportunity a month down the line.
It would make for an interesting position for the NHL to offer up an opinion on, considering their "good for the game" and "following prescribed procedures" thoughts that they have put forward regarding the Jim Balsillie quests.
However, more than likely the selective interpretations as to what is a prescribed procedure will continue, we suspect that the Sutter's will be reunited in Calgary in a few short days.
Regardless of the contradictions to procedures or optics of the move.
National Post-- Flames’ unveiling of Sutter as head coach nears
National Post-- Brent Sutter likely to become new Flames coach
Globe and Mail-- All in the Family at Calgary's Saddledome
Calgary Sun-- Brent Sutter deal close
Calgary Herald-- Brent Sutter rumours heat up
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The clock is ticking it seems towards an announcement within 48 hours which will see General Manager Darryl Sutter turn over the coaching reins to his brother Brent, solidifying the Sutter grip on the southern Alberta franchise, and confirming what just about everyone thought was going to happen when Brent left the collegial atmosphere of Lou Lamoriello's Devils.
And while the announcement will come as not much of a surprise, it will probably provoke one or two comments that the nature of it's genesis doesn't seem right. When brother Sutter left the Devils, more than one person suggested that there should be a one year minimum cooling off period, where he would have to sit out the year in the NHL as penance for his early departure from the Devils.
It's an issue that won't be stirring up much debate in southern Alberta, though the folks up north might like to make a little noise with it for old times animosity sake. And we suspect that in order for Brent to try and put back together the Flames his former team will be provided with a wonderful parting gift on his behalf.
More importantly, considering the troubles that are dogging Gary Bettman at the moment, there's a very good chance he won't even offer an opinion on this one, letting it slide under the NHL radar, like more than a few interesting items seem to these days.
Once the announcement is made however (providing it comes forth) one has to wonder if not the floodgates will have been opened for the coaching carousel, where asking out of a contract one day could morph into a better opportunity a month down the line.
It would make for an interesting position for the NHL to offer up an opinion on, considering their "good for the game" and "following prescribed procedures" thoughts that they have put forward regarding the Jim Balsillie quests.
However, more than likely the selective interpretations as to what is a prescribed procedure will continue, we suspect that the Sutter's will be reunited in Calgary in a few short days.
Regardless of the contradictions to procedures or optics of the move.
National Post-- Flames’ unveiling of Sutter as head coach nears
National Post-- Brent Sutter likely to become new Flames coach
Globe and Mail-- All in the Family at Calgary's Saddledome
Calgary Sun-- Brent Sutter deal close
Calgary Herald-- Brent Sutter rumours heat up
Labels: Brent Sutter to join the Flames
Saturday, June 20, 2009
It's going to take a lot of empties to finish the deal!
The Montreal Canadiens are about to return to the Molson family fold, the iconic Canadien brand set to join the once legendary brewing family, that according to reports coming out of Montreal on Saturday.A purchase price of 500 million will bring the Canadiens and Bell Centre into the Molson portfolio, putting the hockey club back into Canadian and Quebec hands after George Gillett's stewardship.
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The last month saw a number of high profile Quebecois put their bids in, from a consortium including Celine Dion and media baron Pierre Peladeau, to the Saputo family, the founder of Cirque du Soleil and for a short period of time former Canadien great Serge Savard. Over the last number of weeks the quest to gain ownership became the only story in Quebec.
The last month saw a number of high profile Quebecois put their bids in, from a consortium including Celine Dion and media baron Pierre Peladeau, to the Saputo family, the founder of Cirque du Soleil and for a short period of time former Canadien great Serge Savard. Over the last number of weeks the quest to gain ownership became the only story in Quebec.
The agreement in principle if completed will see the Molson's take the helm of the team, a position the family last held in December of 2001, when the team was sold to Gillett, it will be the third time that the Canadiens have been a Molson owned operation.
Originally his ownership was greeted with suspicion and in some quarters alarm, but over the years the American owner proved to be quite respectful of the legacy of the Canadiens and while the success on the ice eluded the team, for the most part there should be few complaints about how he conducted his business when it came to Quebec's most treasured investment.
With the Molson family once again to be identified with the team, many no doubt will be hoping to a return to glory for Les Glorieux. There will no doubt be complaints from some points in Quebec over the purchase, everyone it seemed had their own favourite potential owner.
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At one point even the Quebec government had weighed in with an opinion, that the team should be sold only to those with Quebec roots, going so far as to promise a 100 million dollar loan to anyt Quebec based group to make it so.
With the announcement of days deal in principle, there seems somehow a sense of seamless transition here, the return of one of the most cherished of institutions in the province, back to the family name which seemed synonymous with if for many years.
For the Canadiens, it all seems like a winning situation all around, one which should provide for stability and credibility for years to come.
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Montreal Gazette-- Molson brothers buy Montreal Canadiens for $500M: reports
Globe and Mail-- Molsons reach deal to buy Montreal Canadiens
National Post-- New Canadiens owners have strong pedigree
Bloomberg News-- Montreal Canadiens Sold to Molson Family, National Post Reports
Canada.com-- Molson family buys Canadiens
TSN-- Agreement in Place
Sportsnet-- The Molson Canadiens
Labels: Canadiens sold to Molson family
Friday, June 19, 2009
Double the trouble for Robin Gomez
The criminal trial of Robin Gomez, has been adjourned until June 29th when the courts will reconvene to examine the charges of assault that he has been facing over the first two days of this week.
Gomez, a member of the Victoria Salmon Kings at the time, has been accused of assault causing bodily harm to Chris Ferraro, after an on-ice incident during a March 1, 2008 ECHL game in Victoria, the Crown presented their opening arguments on the case on Monday and after two days of testimony and discussion it was adjourned to the date later this month.
At that time Gomez is expected to take the stand and provide his explanation of the events of that night. And while he and his lawyers prepare for their testimony and contemplate what that future may hold, they learned today that he now has been served with notice of civil litigation as Mr. Ferraro filed a civil case in Vancouver this week.
In their court filing, Ferraro and his lawyers have named Gomez and RG Properties which is the operator of Victoria's Save On Centre as principals in their statement of claim.
The Victoria media have been giving the case prominent coverage in the British Columbia capital, some of their efforts are provided below.
Victoria Times Colonist-- Lawsuit names arena operator as well as former Salmon King
Victoria Times Colonist-- Lawyer for former S-King accuses hockey foe of lying
Victoria Times Colonist-- Defence lawyer suggests Wrangler player was challenging on-ice foe Victoria Times Colonist-- Las Vegas player accuses Gomez of 'sucker punch' in on-ice incident Victoria News-- Ex-Salmon Kings enforcer sued by alleged on-ice assault victim
Victoria News-- Judge admits hockey knowledge lacking in Gomez assault case
Victoria News-- Referee testifies Ferraro felt he was 'untouchable'
Vancouver Province-- On-ice assault trial for former Victoria Salmon Kings player Robin Gomez starts
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Gomez, a member of the Victoria Salmon Kings at the time, has been accused of assault causing bodily harm to Chris Ferraro, after an on-ice incident during a March 1, 2008 ECHL game in Victoria, the Crown presented their opening arguments on the case on Monday and after two days of testimony and discussion it was adjourned to the date later this month.
At that time Gomez is expected to take the stand and provide his explanation of the events of that night. And while he and his lawyers prepare for their testimony and contemplate what that future may hold, they learned today that he now has been served with notice of civil litigation as Mr. Ferraro filed a civil case in Vancouver this week.
In their court filing, Ferraro and his lawyers have named Gomez and RG Properties which is the operator of Victoria's Save On Centre as principals in their statement of claim.
The Victoria media have been giving the case prominent coverage in the British Columbia capital, some of their efforts are provided below.
Victoria Times Colonist-- Lawsuit names arena operator as well as former Salmon King
Victoria Times Colonist-- Lawyer for former S-King accuses hockey foe of lying
Victoria Times Colonist-- Defence lawyer suggests Wrangler player was challenging on-ice foe Victoria Times Colonist-- Las Vegas player accuses Gomez of 'sucker punch' in on-ice incident Victoria News-- Ex-Salmon Kings enforcer sued by alleged on-ice assault victim
Victoria News-- Judge admits hockey knowledge lacking in Gomez assault case
Victoria News-- Referee testifies Ferraro felt he was 'untouchable'
Vancouver Province-- On-ice assault trial for former Victoria Salmon Kings player Robin Gomez starts
Labels: Robin Gomez gets his day in court
Thursday, June 18, 2009
And the winners are...
The NHL handed out the awards on Thursday, celebrating excellence from the 2008-09 season. Mixing the glitz and excitement of Las Vegas with the best that the NHL has to offer from its premier players.The nights awards took on a Russian theme with three of the most prominant Russians in the NHL claiming six of the trophies available for the night's awarding. After that the next largest represented group would be Boston Bruins with five Bruins winning or sharing in four trophies.
And the winners were:
Hart Trophy-- Alexander Ovechkin
Lester B Pearson Trophy-- Alexander Ovechkin
Rocket Richard Trophy-- Alexander Ovechkin
Selke Trophy-- Pavel Datsyuk
Lady Byng Trophy-- Pavel Datsyuk
Art Ross Trophy-- Evgeni Malkin
Vezina Trophy-- Tim Thomas
William Jennings Trophy-- Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez
Norris Trophy-- Zdeno Chara
Jack Adams Trophy-- Claude Julien
Calder Trophy-- Steve Mason
Bill Masterton Trophy-- Steve Sullivan
Mark Messier Leadership Trophy-- Jarome Iginla
Lifetime Achievement Award-- Jean Beliveau
Scotia Bank Fan Award-- Roberto Luongo
First All Star Team
Goal-- TimThomas, Boston
Defense-- Mike Green, Washington
Defense-- Zdeno Chara, Boston
Left Wing-- Alex Ovechkin, Washington
Centre-- Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh
Right Wing-- Jarome Iginla, Calgary
Second All Star Team
Goal-- Steve Mason, Columbus
Defense-- Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit
Defense-- Dan Boyle, San Jose
Left Wing-- Zach Parise, New Jersey
Centre-- Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit
Right Wing-- Marian Hossa, Detroit
All Rookie Team
Goal-- Steve Mason, Columbus
Defense-- Drew Doughty, Los Angeles
Defense-- Luke Schenn, Toronto
Forward-- Kris Versteeg, Chicago
Forward-- Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks
Toronto Star-- Alexander is great againBoston Globe-- Bruins hit the jackpot
Detroit Free Press-- Wings' Pavel Datsyuk wins Selke, Lady Byng trophies
Labels: NHLvAwards night 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
From the ice to the courtroom, Robin Gomez goes to trial
Was it a part of a game that has been accepted through the years, or was it an event that went far beyond the normal conduct of on ice behaviour and the much discussed code of the game.
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That is what will be determined in a Victoria court room this week as former Prince Rupert resident Robin Gomez faces charges stemming from an on ice incident in Victoria back in March of 2008.
The incident that has resulted in charges and this week’s court appearance was part of an ECHL game filled with animosity, in which a number of fights had broken out during the course of the play, with tempers clearly on edge.
The incident of note took place between whistles in the second period, when Gomez stepped onto the ice and as it was described in court on Monday, sucker punched Las Vegas Stars player Chris Ferraro. The resulting injuries left Ferraro on the ice unconscious and eventually requiring eight stitches to the back of his head.
The result of that punch was a brawl filled second period and rather ugly remainder of the game, as scores were settled and on ice threats continued.
Following the game, Victoria police became involved and turned over their investigation to the Crown, which filed charges of assault causing bodily harm.
The ECHL, which is a third level professional league, below the American and the top level National Hockey league, is known for the physical nature of the game, a league where the fighting aspect of hockey has never been played down. It’s to that culture that much of this case will be outlined toward. As evidence is presented to show how the Crown believes the events of March 1st 2008 went far beyond even the normal level of violence of professional hockey, even that of the ECHL.
Gomez was suspended for the remainder of the season and then was cut by the Victoria Salmon Kings, something that has touched a nerve of a Prince Rupert resident, who provided a letter to the editor for Gomez's hometown paper The Daily News. (see below)
In his letter Dan Harris, outlines his disgust at the way that Gomez has been cut loose by both the league and the Salmon Kings, sacrificing him to the courts as it would be. It raises valid questions about the nature of the league and the game for that matter, where roles are expected to be played, and players know what is expected of them by management.
The nature of their sport is just as much on trial as is Mr. Gomez, yet he seems to be carrying the weight of it on his own, with little in the way of feedback or intercession from his now former employers.
The ECHL and the Salmon Kings do seem to be getting off easy in the early rounds of the court case, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of examination of the culture of the sport and how much of the violent tendencies in it are acceptable and what is not, something that still to this day needs to be addressed both in this instance and in the nature of the game overall.
It’s a scenario that has been played out in the past even in the NHL, where the famous case of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore or Marty McSorley and Donald Brashear continues to resonate in hockey circles to this day.
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Like those incidents and others of the past, the practice of players seeking out vengeance is once again up for discussion, vengeance that is always explained as being within the concept of The Code. The unwritten rules of conduct those players seem to point to whenever the more physical, sometimes violent nature of the game overtakes events.
That being said, Mr. Ferraro was injured rather badly in that game, suffering side effects weeks after the incident. For that individual event only Mr. Gomez is responsible, there is a line between the perceived acceptable behaviour on ice and what is beyond the rules.
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In his letter Mr. Harris makes the case for Mr. Gomez having just done his job, as expected by the Salmon Kings and the ECHL. The Crown and Victoria Police believe that Mr. Gomez stepped well beyond that job description.
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It will be in the courtroom and before Judge Judge Mike Hubbard where it will be decided if their concerns are to be validated or not and if Mr. Gomez is to be punished for his participation in the events.
Where that line is crossed is under review in the Victoria court room, the criminal case is expected to conclude today, Ferraro has also indicated that he intends for follow up with his own lawsuit regarding the incident once the criminal case is complete.
Victoria Times Colonist-- Las Vegas player accuses Gomez of 'sucker punch' in on-ice incident Vancouver Province-- On-ice assault trial for former Victoria Salmon Kings player Robin Gomez starts
The Victoria News-- Hockey player in court to face assault charges
CBC News-- Trial on hockey assault charge opens in Victoria
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Rupert hockey player just doing his job
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, June 15, 2009
Page four
This Monday there is a court case scheduled for one Robin Gomez, past winger for the Salmon Kings. This case has to do with Robin doing the job he was hired for by the Salmon Kings. This case has to do with one hockey player fighting another hockey player. This case has to do with one man punching another man in the heat of the game which is known for a certain amount of violence.
The really sad thing is that although Robin Gomez has had more than a few fights in his hockey career he would rather play hockey than fight but because he wanted to live in Victoria, near his family and friends, in his own country, that he was playing for a team who had one and only one job open to him and that was to be the enforcer.
Those who know the team will be painfully aware of the fact that that was the role he was hired for and the sole reason they played him.
He could score multiple goals in one game and sit out the next if there was nobody the team wanted to punish on the opposition.
I'll admit I know him personally and happen to know what a genuine and loyal friend he is.
He has never been a cheap shot artist and will not start something without provocation. He will do what he is asked and never complain if things are sometimes a little harder than anticipated.
He did his job and did it well even though he would have preferred to just have a regular position as a forward. He did what he was hired for and paid for.
When the inevitable and obvious situation happened and went bad just once, Bang, he was vilified and abandoned by the Salmon Kings.
Why you may ask?
In my opinion it was easier for the team management to cut him, pull their support and lawyer and cry that they would never condone this type of action. What a crock.
My question is, is there anyone who does not see the cowardess and hypocrisy in this situation.
The Salmon Kings had a good and loyal player that they bailed on. No regard for his future or what became of him as long as they would not have to spend any money on protecting their employee for doing the job they hired him for. Absolutely gutless and reprehensible.
In hockey, I think it would be fairly safe to say that fights just may be a part of the game.
I just wish the team could be held as accountable as the crown feels the player should be, which is, in itself a joke.
Is their anyone else that feels this might be a bit ridiculous? I for one am incensed that the team and the owners are not in court, because without them, Robin would not be appearing in court today.
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On his own, fighting again, this time for his reputation and freedom.
Nice Salmon Kings, a fine way to show your colours. Loyalty like yours should be recognized for what it is, Shameful.
Yours respectfully
Dan Harris
Prince Rupert, BC
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That is what will be determined in a Victoria court room this week as former Prince Rupert resident Robin Gomez faces charges stemming from an on ice incident in Victoria back in March of 2008.
The incident that has resulted in charges and this week’s court appearance was part of an ECHL game filled with animosity, in which a number of fights had broken out during the course of the play, with tempers clearly on edge.
The incident of note took place between whistles in the second period, when Gomez stepped onto the ice and as it was described in court on Monday, sucker punched Las Vegas Stars player Chris Ferraro. The resulting injuries left Ferraro on the ice unconscious and eventually requiring eight stitches to the back of his head.
The result of that punch was a brawl filled second period and rather ugly remainder of the game, as scores were settled and on ice threats continued.
Following the game, Victoria police became involved and turned over their investigation to the Crown, which filed charges of assault causing bodily harm.
The ECHL, which is a third level professional league, below the American and the top level National Hockey league, is known for the physical nature of the game, a league where the fighting aspect of hockey has never been played down. It’s to that culture that much of this case will be outlined toward. As evidence is presented to show how the Crown believes the events of March 1st 2008 went far beyond even the normal level of violence of professional hockey, even that of the ECHL.
Gomez was suspended for the remainder of the season and then was cut by the Victoria Salmon Kings, something that has touched a nerve of a Prince Rupert resident, who provided a letter to the editor for Gomez's hometown paper The Daily News. (see below)
In his letter Dan Harris, outlines his disgust at the way that Gomez has been cut loose by both the league and the Salmon Kings, sacrificing him to the courts as it would be. It raises valid questions about the nature of the league and the game for that matter, where roles are expected to be played, and players know what is expected of them by management.
The nature of their sport is just as much on trial as is Mr. Gomez, yet he seems to be carrying the weight of it on his own, with little in the way of feedback or intercession from his now former employers.
The ECHL and the Salmon Kings do seem to be getting off easy in the early rounds of the court case, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of examination of the culture of the sport and how much of the violent tendencies in it are acceptable and what is not, something that still to this day needs to be addressed both in this instance and in the nature of the game overall.
It’s a scenario that has been played out in the past even in the NHL, where the famous case of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore or Marty McSorley and Donald Brashear continues to resonate in hockey circles to this day.
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Like those incidents and others of the past, the practice of players seeking out vengeance is once again up for discussion, vengeance that is always explained as being within the concept of The Code. The unwritten rules of conduct those players seem to point to whenever the more physical, sometimes violent nature of the game overtakes events.
That being said, Mr. Ferraro was injured rather badly in that game, suffering side effects weeks after the incident. For that individual event only Mr. Gomez is responsible, there is a line between the perceived acceptable behaviour on ice and what is beyond the rules.
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In his letter Mr. Harris makes the case for Mr. Gomez having just done his job, as expected by the Salmon Kings and the ECHL. The Crown and Victoria Police believe that Mr. Gomez stepped well beyond that job description.
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It will be in the courtroom and before Judge Judge Mike Hubbard where it will be decided if their concerns are to be validated or not and if Mr. Gomez is to be punished for his participation in the events.
Where that line is crossed is under review in the Victoria court room, the criminal case is expected to conclude today, Ferraro has also indicated that he intends for follow up with his own lawsuit regarding the incident once the criminal case is complete.
Victoria Times Colonist-- Las Vegas player accuses Gomez of 'sucker punch' in on-ice incident Vancouver Province-- On-ice assault trial for former Victoria Salmon Kings player Robin Gomez starts
The Victoria News-- Hockey player in court to face assault charges
CBC News-- Trial on hockey assault charge opens in Victoria
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Rupert hockey player just doing his job
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, June 15, 2009
Page four
This Monday there is a court case scheduled for one Robin Gomez, past winger for the Salmon Kings. This case has to do with Robin doing the job he was hired for by the Salmon Kings. This case has to do with one hockey player fighting another hockey player. This case has to do with one man punching another man in the heat of the game which is known for a certain amount of violence.
The really sad thing is that although Robin Gomez has had more than a few fights in his hockey career he would rather play hockey than fight but because he wanted to live in Victoria, near his family and friends, in his own country, that he was playing for a team who had one and only one job open to him and that was to be the enforcer.
Those who know the team will be painfully aware of the fact that that was the role he was hired for and the sole reason they played him.
He could score multiple goals in one game and sit out the next if there was nobody the team wanted to punish on the opposition.
I'll admit I know him personally and happen to know what a genuine and loyal friend he is.
He has never been a cheap shot artist and will not start something without provocation. He will do what he is asked and never complain if things are sometimes a little harder than anticipated.
He did his job and did it well even though he would have preferred to just have a regular position as a forward. He did what he was hired for and paid for.
When the inevitable and obvious situation happened and went bad just once, Bang, he was vilified and abandoned by the Salmon Kings.
Why you may ask?
In my opinion it was easier for the team management to cut him, pull their support and lawyer and cry that they would never condone this type of action. What a crock.
My question is, is there anyone who does not see the cowardess and hypocrisy in this situation.
The Salmon Kings had a good and loyal player that they bailed on. No regard for his future or what became of him as long as they would not have to spend any money on protecting their employee for doing the job they hired him for. Absolutely gutless and reprehensible.
In hockey, I think it would be fairly safe to say that fights just may be a part of the game.
I just wish the team could be held as accountable as the crown feels the player should be, which is, in itself a joke.
Is their anyone else that feels this might be a bit ridiculous? I for one am incensed that the team and the owners are not in court, because without them, Robin would not be appearing in court today.
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On his own, fighting again, this time for his reputation and freedom.
Nice Salmon Kings, a fine way to show your colours. Loyalty like yours should be recognized for what it is, Shameful.
Yours respectfully
Dan Harris
Prince Rupert, BC
Labels: Robin Gomez gets his day in court
No shake for you, the backlash that brews
As Pittsburgh's residents relish the latest addition to the trophy case, there's a Miss Manners lesson being played out in the hockey world over the fall out of the post game celebrations of last Friday night.
During those moments following the Penguins victory over the Red Wings and claiming of the Stanley Cup in game seven, the post game handshakes became a bit of a debating point as Pens Captain Sidney Crosby missed his cue and missed out on a number of the Red Wings including captain Nicklas Lidstrom.
The missed salutation has been the main item out of that final ever since, with the scoring summaries and highlight reels now fading from memory, the lasting memory seems to be a missed opportunity for sportsmanship and the subsequent missed opportunities to make amends.
Much has been made of the original incident, with everyone from fellow Red Wings to sports journalists weighing in to offer up their impressions of the hockey faux pas.
Crosby himself hasn't done much to quell the backlash, taking the opinion that he did nothing wrong and was simply enjoying the moment with his team mates, something he believes he had the right to do.
And while that's a valid point, still it wouldn't have been too much to seek out Lidstrom to make amends, or at least offer up an apology for the missed opportunity. Instead, Crosby has come across as a petulant little kid, which considering his age may not be too far from where his station in life is at during this period of his development. He missed a golden opportunity at that time to express his remorse at the timing troubles and at that time could have said something about his regrets on the situation.
He is the face of leadership on the Penguins and in the NHL these days, so he should have been more aware of his responsibilities to the game. It's a rare miscue for the star player of the NHL, who normally seems to be more than aware of what is required of him as one of the top players of the game.
The apology ship may have already sailed, but perhaps in order to find a bit of peace over the summer, he could at least make the effort to address the growing controversy and offer up his mea culpas, after all he was on the "winning" side of events, might be an idea to embrace the positives from that victory while he can.
So far, he's been losing the PR war on this issue, something that is about as common as scoring slumps for the Penguins captain. Like many a last minute comeback, he still may be able to pull this one out of the fire.
Associated Press-- Zetterberg calls Crosby's actions disrespectful
Detroit Free Press-- Wings' Lidstrom shakes off Crosby controversy, but Zetterberg doesn't
Pittsbrugh Post Gazette-- Crosby: Snub Lidstrom? No way 'My intentions were to shake hands'
Fadoo.ca-- Hey Sid... Shake This!
CBC Sports-- Red Wings can't let Crosby thing go
CBC Sports-- Crosby dismisses handshake controversy
Globe and Mail-- Cut Crosby a break on the handshake nonsense
National Post-- Crosby dismisses Red Wings handshake flap
National Post-- Loss, Crosby's alleged snub leave Wings bitter
Labels: Sidney Crosby's handshake woes
