This just in - the SJHL has suspended La Ronge forward Justin Ducharme 16 games for his hit on Andrew Dommett Sept. 19.
According to the official release: "The suspension comes after Ducharme delivered what is being called a 'late and blind side' hit to Kindersley’s Andrew Dommett during a game September 19 that resulted in Dommett suffering head injuries. Ducharme will not be eligible to rejoin the Ice Wolves until November 19."
I think this is a reasonable suspension. While it was a vicious hit, I don't believe there was the kind of malicious intent necessary for a 20-30 game ban - like Chris Simon taking a baseball swing at someone's face or stomping on a leg. There's intent to injure and then there's deliberately trying to end someone's season or career, and I don't think the latter was the case.
16 games is a long time, but especially in the SJ where you play 58 games. Ducharme will miss nearly a third of the season, which would equate to about 25 games in the NHL.
I'd be curious to know where this ranks on the list of all-time suspensions in the SJHL. It's gotta be up there.
16 games thats all?
ReplyDelete14 games too many
ReplyDeleteDucharme should have got the hole season! If you watch the video he adjusts his elbow pad at center ice before the hit! he was head hunting!
ReplyDeleteDoes the offical get evaluated?
ReplyDeleteOfficials do get evaluated as far as I know. I'm not sure what kind of schedule they have for that, but if there was any sort of action taken against the ref, it would never be made public.
ReplyDelete