Springers hit on Latal was a shocker. Good clip on YouTube (no idea how to link it). I'm trying not to revel in the fact that it's a Steelers player getting hit but..... this for me is what happens when you don't apply consistency and common bloody sense. It becomes a free for all. It's a late low hit, that could really cause damage. Yes he gets kicked out as he had a previous 5 minute but why is it getting to this.
In the above clip from 'Behind the Net' you've got a two handed slash and a stick to the face right in from of the referee and what's done about it?? It's Madness.
In our game, you've got Brendan Connolly punching and sticking people and getting away with it and other players running the goalie in different games. All it does it generate the intent to go out and hurt the opponent because they aren't being punished. I don't want the spirit of the game to be removed or the way it can be policed by players with the 'code' but we're in real danger of going back 15 years and being a goon league if this continues. We made great stride as a league when faster more skilled players came over, we (Nottingham, Braehead, Steelers etc) made progress in Europe and got noticed by a calibre of player that would other wise stay well clear. If Connolly or anyone else is allowed to run a goalie or punch and not get punished then he skates around with a target on his back and could be susceptible to these kinds of hits. Don't get me wrong, we need pantomime dames in this league and agitators but I think we're in danger of a line being crossed when it comes to players taking it in to their own hands.
I feel like an old man writing this. My concern is that all of this has happened in the course of a few weeks not over the course of a long season. It's a dangerous precedence to set so early on.