Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith has been suspended for the remainder of the preseason and five regular-season games, without pay, for an illegal hit to the head of of Chicago forward Ben Smith during a preseason game on September 28, NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan announced today.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Brendan Smith will forfeit $23,648.65. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
At 5:26 of the third period, Brendan Smith hit Ben Smith in the head, injuring the Chicago player in the process. Brendan Smith was assessed a match penalty.
8 Comments
SHANNY STRIKES AGAIN
I hate the Blackhawks, but Shanny got this right. This was a hit to the head, and well worth 5 games.
Also great to see that he's not playing favorites *cough* Colin Campbell *cough* considering he played for Detroit.
GO SHANNY! 🙂
@kdawg87pens Totally agree!!! I'm sure the Defender was anticipating the Hawk to make a move catching him square to the body. Shanny will be busy this year!
WHY DONT YOU JUST TAKE HITTING OUT OF THE GAME, GARY BETTMAN AND EVERY OTHER PUSSY IN THE LEAGUES BOARD ARE TURNING HOCKEY INTO TENNIS, TAKE HITTING OUT OF THE GAME, TAKE THE BOARDS OUT AND THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. OR JUST BRING SCOTT STEVENS BACK!
@HuskysFan why? because he tried to hit his shoulder and Ben moved slightly enough to change the hit by a few inches and it BARELY missed his shoulder? It was an unfortunate incident which, IMHO, deserved the 3 preseason games AND 2-3 regular season games, not 5 regular season and 3 preseason(8 games). Brendan had NO intent to injure.
Shannahan got this right. Ben smith barely moved. Easy call.
The reason why Smith hit him in the head was because he didn't move. anyone with half a brain wouldn't stop moving their feet with a big defense man bearing down, Ben Smith is an idiot Brendan's going to be big in the future, he's just too good
(No intent to injure + Ben Smith's slight move) * Shanahan trying to make an impact = excessive suspension