Oct 25, 2009

NHL's Hurricanes Lose Ruutu For 3 Games Due To League Suspension

Carolina's Forward Banned For Knocking Tucker Unconscious

The NHL has suspended Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu for 3 games for boarding Darcy Tucker in Friday night's game. The hit knocked Colorado's winger completely unconscious. Ruutu was originally assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the boarding that happened in the second period of the game. Tucker was taken off of the ice on a stretcher and then taken to a hospital early Saturday which revealed that he had suffered a concussion. However, he did remain alert and coherent through the evaluation and treatment process.

The NHL announced their decision to suspend Ruutu for 3 games on Saturday. They also announced that Ruutu would lose out on $56,067.36 in salary money due to the suspension, and the money would be donated to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. Ruutu will not be eligible to take the ice again for the Hurricanes until November 1st when Carolina faces the San Jose Sharks. The move by the NHL is one of many that have been handed out recently with the goal of deterring players from inappropriate conduct. So far their methods do not seem to have had the impact that they had hoped for originally, but if they continue to be consistent and harsh with the punishments that they issue for such offenses, then the betting odds of their new policies taking affect are likely to increase significantly; and as a result, hockey in the NHL will be better because of it. There is just no place for unsportsmanlike behavior by players who are supposed to be professional.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
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