If it is not bad enough that the Giants are playing these days without two of their import players due to injury they now could face a very stiff suspension to coach Steve Thornton if the EIHL has anything to say about the incident in tonights game. To see if for yourself click here to view the Vipers post game highlight show – an excellent package I must say – and decide for yourself. To be honest, it doesn’t look good for Stevie and the way the league has set a president of late he could be looking at quite a bit of time off.

Last week Cardiff’s Brad Voth was handed a 12-game suspension for a slash to the legs while Hull’s Kozak was suspended 10-games for an incident. To look at the slow-mo in that video looks like a bad slash/high-stick to the face of Andre Payette by Thornton and while Payette looked to be provoking him the league will still look at the reaction as a big no-no.

The resulting injury to Payette will factor in on the suspension but the intent to injrue will also be looked at as to the number of games. Althoug the Giants won the game to go top of the Elite League the result will be bitter sweet due to this incident. Thornton is an impact player for the Giants and it will hurt them whatever the suspenison.

On the actual incident, referee Mike Hicks only handed down a 2+2 for accidental high-sticking but it probably won’t rest at that.

As I type this I have come across confirmation that the Newcastle Vipers will refer the incident to the leauge and call for a suspension. To be fair I would expect to see the Giants do the same in a similar incident and so I can’t really blame them. I did half expect the Vipers to leave punishment to on the ice at the next meeting between the sides though knowing their style they will look for the suspension to have Thornton back in time for their next meet and go after him during that game. Fair do’s I suppose.

No doubt big debate will continue on this one in the coming days and we’ll have to sit back and see what is called.

On the subject: Andre Payette, Newcastle Vipers, Steve Thornton | ALL SUBJECTS |

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