Downie's Suspension Carries Over To AHL

Matt Bodenschatz | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Oct 2, 10:11 PM | Hype this story!

Steve Downie’s hit on Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond wasn’t as vicious as Todd Bertuzzi’s mauling a few years back.

And it wasn’t as obvious as a slash to the face, such as the one Chris Simon delivered on Ryan Hollweg last season.

But it was enough to get the attention of the hockey world.

Just days after the NHL suspended the Philadelphia Flyers forward for 20 games, the AHL has ruled that Downie, who recently was demoted, will be required to serve a one-month suspension.

“The American Hockey League has established a strict disciplinary standard over the last several seasons relative to deliberate hits to the head,” said AHL President and CEO David Andrews. “We strongly support the National Hockey League’s recent directives on these dangerous hits, and we want to send a clear message that actions such as Mr. Downie’s are unacceptable in our game.”

Typically, NHL suspensions are not carried out if the involved player is sent to the AHL.

News of this co-operation between the two leagues could be a sign of a newfound hardline stance against violence on the ice.

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Oct 3, 09:16 AM

    Maybe it seems unfair, but it’s about time a precedent is set about going too far. I think it’s a good thing.

  2. Matt Bodenschatz

    Oct 3, 10:11 PM

    I agree 100%. If things continue the way they have gone in the NHL, someone WILL get killed. It’s due time the NHL (and AHL) step up and dish out large punishments that serve as deterrents, not slaps on the wrist.

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