Dommett hit getting media attention

We see it at every level of hockey, right up to the NHL. Media outlets that never cover the everyday happenings in hockey will always magnify the black eyes, the controversial hits or major injuries that might even result from a clean hockey play.

The hit on Andrew Dommett in La Ronge is getting attention from sources beyond the usual suspects when it comes to SJHL coverage.

I just finished listening to a clip of yesterday's John Gormley Live where Gormley sits down with Laury Ryan and discusses the Junior A Supplement and head shots in general. The Dommett hit isn't discussed - the league does not comment on specific incidents - but there is a hint that a major suspension would be handed down later that day. It's a discussion that every league needs to have from time to time about protecting their players while emphasizing the most appealing aspects of the game. The Ryan interview begins at the 11:10 mark of the clip.

Rob Vanstone had a story in yesterday's Leader-Post about the suspension to Justin Ducharme and some quotes from Laury Ryan about the Junior A Supplement. Of course, the two major dailies do carry SJHL coverage from time to time, so that's nothing new. (I have reason to believe one bit of info in the article came from my Clarion story, which is kind of neat).

Gregg Drinnan of the Kamloops Daily News mentioned the suspension on his blog, one of the most-read hockey blogs in the country.

I also got an email this morning from Evan Hammond, the voice of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who said there had been a similar hit in the BCHL recently which only resulted in a two-game suspension. He mentioned both hits on his blog and said the Ducharme suspension was an example of "how a league correctly sends a message and protects its players."

SJHL communications director Mitchell Blair referred to the suspension on his blog (I am really getting sick of typing that word) and the reaction seems to be ranging from too much to not enough to just right - which is usually a good sign that they got it right when it comes to these things.