So I am getting ready to head out to the Odyssey Arena for my first Giants game of the year and what will likely only be the first of two I will see this entire season. I flicked onto the KotG forum to see any team news to be hit with the news that Steve Thornton has been handed a two-game suspension for the ‘accidental’ tripping of Curtis Cruickshank against Hull a week ago. Whoever made this decision needs hung from the rafters of the Odyssey Arena. Click below for the video.

You might remember me writing about the incident when it took place, but not in my wildest did I expect the league a few weeks later to hand down such a decision. I have been watching hockey for 10 or so years and this is clearly the worst move I have ever seen.

No doubt it will have some people really wondering the leagues intentions towards the Giants and I am sure the coach, management and players are beginning to wonder the same thing.

I am absolutely flabbergasted. The video clearly shows that the incident didn’t even deserve a minor 2 minute penalty never mind a major, a match or any kind of suspension. When you have a sport that hands out 5 minutes for dropping the gloves and punching in the face, it makes you very concerned when they then turn around and suspend a respected player for two games for accidentally brushing skates with an opponent.

I worry that players like Thornton and new imports to the league will see such incidents and decide to take their careers to more professionally run leagues throughout Europe or back in North America. I hope not but the League and its powers that be will only have themselves to blame if it does come to that.

I shall rant further on the issue in due time, but for now I’m off to watch a game that is now shy one of its best players. Oh well not to worry, I only have one more to go after this one and then it is back to North American hockey!

On the subject: Pathetic Decisions, Steve Thornton, Suspensions | ALL SUBJECTS |

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