Wednesday, November 28, 2007

November 28

Minor Hockey Association Investigates Brawl

The Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association launched an investigation on Tuesday into a bench-clearing brawl between two teams of eight-year-old players last week. The NFMHA released a statement, saying it is "deeply saddened by the events of Nov. 23, and we wish to extend our apologies to the staff and volunteers of the Guelph Powerplay Tournament."

Police in Guelph, Ont., said criminal charges could be laid and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association is also investigating the incident, which occurred between the Duffield Devils and Niagara Falls Thunder novice AAA teams. The Devils were playing the Thunder at a Guelph, Ont., arena last Friday during a tournament when, in the third period, the game got out of hand. Each team has its own version of what happened but police say it is clear that a fight broke out among several players at the end of the game. The Niagara Falls Thunder have a videotape of the incident, which they have provided to police and say will be given to the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for review. "Upon reviewing the tape of this unfortunate incident it is clear that the Duffield Devil players greatly outnumbered the Niagara Falls players on the ice when the altercation occurred," the NFMHA said. "While it appeared that the incident between the children didn't last more than 30 seconds, it is obvious by this tape that the Niagara Falls players were clearly defending themselves."

The NFMHA also said the "tape also demonstrated that members of each coaching staff were equally at fault for escalating the violence of the situation." Duffield Devils team president Frank Carbone said earlier he hadn't seen the tape but that he believed his team was not at fault, that the Duffield coaches, parents and players involved did not instigate or escalate the events. Thus far, the coaches of the Niagara Falls Novice AAA team have been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation. "Upon conclusion of their findings, the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association will determine whether further suspensions and/or immediate dismissal will occur," the NFMHA stated.


Hartnell Suspended 2 Games

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was suspended two games for his hit on Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Alberts Monday night. Hartnell was given a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, which occurred during the second period. Alberts layed on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room, and did not return to the game. Hartnell is eligible to return to the Flyers lineup on Dec. 5 for Phillys game against the Minnesota Wild. The seven-year NHL veteran will forfeit almost $45,000 in salary during that time.


Hiring Ferguson a Mistake?

Richard Peddie, the President of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, told the Toronto Sun that hiring Ferguson, who had no prior experience as a general manager, was a mistake.

"To be honest, it was a mistake on my part for not fully understanding at the time what the job of being (the Leafs GM) in this market fully entailed," Peddie told the Sun. "Let's face it. It probably was the wrong place for a rookie general manager to start. I mean, all GMs make mistakes, but they are not under the constant microscope and scrutiny that you have in Toronto, which is, in our opinion, the top hockey market there is. That is all hindsight now. John has had time to learn a lot since then."

Under Ferguson, the Leafs have a 134-99-34 record and have made the playoffs just once in three seasons.

The 40-year-old executive was a dark horse hire in August of 2003, beating out high-profile candidates like Neil Smith and Steve Tambellini for the position. Ferguson came on board with no previous GM experience, but worked as assistant general manager and vice-president and director of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues. He was also a member of the Ottawa Senators' scouting staff from 1993 to 1996.

Peddie also denied reports that the Leafs have been looking for candidates to replace either Ferguson or Head Coach Paul Maurice.


Crosby Maintains Eastern Lead

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby has maintained his lead among Eastern Conference players in fan voting for this years NHL all-star game. Crosby has received 177,873 votes in the all-digital voting program. He was well ahead of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov, who leads all blue-liners with 115,007 votes. Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara was third with 84,111 votes.

Crosdy, Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators (80,211) and Vincent Lecavalier (73,743) of the Tampa Bay Lightning were the leading vote-getters at forward. Markov and Chara led all defenceman and Cristobal Huet of the Canadiens was tops among goaltenders (64,351).

The updated Western Conference voating totals are scheduled to be released today.


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