All Hockey Is Not Created Equal

In discussing the controversial Mike Liambas hit that put Ben Fanelli of the Kitchener Rangers in hospital with a fractured skull, OHL commissioner David Branch reacted firmly to the suggestion that NHL executives didn't see anything wrong with the hit.

"This isn't the NHL," he said in an interview. "We are a different league."

Now whether you agree or disagree with Branch's decision to suspend Liambas of the Erie Otters for the rest of the season, or whether you see Branch as either an enlightened thinker or dangerous subversive — there are plenty of folks in both camps — his point is well-made and stretches beyond major junior hockey.

In this case, he was arguing that what goes in the NHL doesn't necessarily fit the needs of the OHL, as was the case when he mandated the use of neck guards and stopped the practice of players removing their helmets to fight in the wake of the Don Sanderson tragedy.

While some OHLers may go on to play in the NHL, not all do, and Branch made it clear that he believes there needs to be a greater safety component in junior hockey.

"We've worked hard to create a positive environment," he said. "Everyone knows the risks of playing hockey. We try to minimize the risks and tell our players we're not tolerating anything that goes beyond the boundaries of fair play."

Now, some might argue that having 16-year-olds playing in the same league as 20-year-olds is inherently dangerous. That said, U.S. college hockey and Canadian university hockey often have much older players skating against teenagers. Goodness, Matt Gilroy is a 25-year-old rookie with the New York Rangers who last year was playing in the NCAA.

But Branch's philosophy is interesting. Junior hockey isn't the NHL, so some different rules and standards should apply. This goes against the grain for those who would argue that the game is the game and must be played under the same conditions and rules from age 6 up to the NHL. They call themselves purists. They're usually the ones screaming obscenities at officials in novice and minor peewee.

It's why kids who can barely skate shoot on the same sized-net they use in the NHL. It's why it took so long to popularize the use of the lighter blue puck. Gotta use the same puck everywhere and for every age, right?

And it's why what happens in the NHL is mimicked everywhere else. Sometimes that's good. Go to a peewee or bantam game now and you'll see no hooking or holding. That's because the NHL did it first.

But Branch was essentially arguing that a violent body check that might make sense among professional males might not make sense for teenage boys playing junior hockey, and presumably, wouldn't be proper at all for younger ages.

Perhaps we need to get rid of the concept that what goes in the NHL should apply everywhere in the game and instead embrace the philosophy that while younger players may aspire to playing pro hockey, most won't achieve that goal and the larger need — the need to provide the majority of young people who play the game the safest possible environment — needs to come first.

Branch, essentially, is saying he doesn't care what the NHL thinks of the Liambas hit because his league is different, not the same. He decided to set a precedent in this case, which meant Liambas ends up being an unfortunate test case. Really, Branch was thinking more like a parent and less like a hockey executive who's primary task is to funnel players to the NHL.

And maybe that's a very good thing.

Comments

[other mark]

I support David Branch and his decision to lay down this suspension 100%. What Mr. Branch is saying to his league should be universally accepted in all leagues, including the NHL. It is simply this: if you show no regard for the safety of other players then you are gone. Some may argue that the hit was 'clean' and therefore o.k. Well, let's look at if from another angle. Was it necessary to drill Fanelli in a an absolutely meaningless forecheck? The answer is: No. I have no problem with a clean open ice hit where the shoulder is used and the head shot is avoided. I have no problem with a player getting squeezed out along the boards. But, do we really need to have a guy charging in and drilling a guys head into the boards? No. Absolutely not. I don't care whether it's the OHL, NHL, ECHL, AHL, any-old-HL. It's stupid and unnecessary and does nothing for the game but promote disrespect amongst the players. If this suspension helps put an end to it, then it's a step in the right direction.

[other mark]

I just read the article (and the blog). I just can't believe how many morons have written in 'it was a clean hit... this suspension is unfair'. It was a called as a major boarding penalty. The amount of force (skating in hard from the blue line to the goal line) was outrageous. The respect shown to another player: zero. If defensive partners aren't allowed to interfere with guys coming in on the forecheck, and players have zero repect for their opponents, this is what you get. A kid in the hospital with a cracked skull. You neanderthals out there who think this is hockey obviously don't play the game. I've played for 40 years and understand body contact and have no problem dishing it out or taking it. But I also understand that it is not o.k. to skate in full speed and board a guy. Branch got it right (although too late... it's a shame a skull had to be crushed before someone made this kind of decision).

[Shane Rieger]

I have to say that I agree with Branch's decision in this case. Matter of fact, Bettman should be taking a page out of Branch's book and start to regulate the way the NHL conducts it's business on the ice. What I see in the Liambas/Fanelli situation is that Branch employed a "the punishment should suit the crime" ruling. Meaning that Liambas got suspeneded for the entire year because it looks as though Fanelli will be out for the entire year or at least a good portion of it. If Bettman would employ a strategy like that than there wouldn't be as many players injured in the NHL simply for the sake of a phyiscal game. No offence intended, but Bettman is nothing more than a yes man to the team owners and they need to have someone head the league that actually has the guts to say "youv'e injured a player and he is out 6-8 weeks, therefore you are suspended for 6-8 weeks. When that player comes back to the league, you can come back to the league." Until he does, he will always be a servant to the owners and does not deserve to have the position he is in.

[Jason]

"They're usually the ones screaming obscenities at officials in novice and minor peewee."

It's a very good column, Damien. Leave the snide remarks out of it.

[Vsem]

Here's my problem with this whole situation. I think too often hockey focuses on the result of an incident rather than the intentions. If the Fanelli had gotten right back up, absolutely no one would have had a problem with the hit, but since he was majorly injured a suspension was delivered to Liambas. This is completely illogical and happens even at the NHL level. One of the worst acts of violence I've ever seen in the NHL was when Chris Simon took a full swing to the face of Ryan Hollweg and he was only given a 25 game suspension for it even though it was very obvious his intention was to injure Hollweg. The only reason it wasn't a longer suspension was because Hollweg wasn't injured. Conversely you get situations where a relatively harmless intention is magnified because someone gets seriously injured. This makes no sense. Suspensions need to be delivered more for intentions than the result. If Liambas was being reckless or made a dirty hit, then he would've deserved a long suspension whether Fanelli was injured or not. And since he was neither reckless and the hit wasn't dirty, it shouldn't have been penalized. You have to follow proper logic when doling out suspensions otherwise it seems random and senseless.

P.S. It's fairly obvious Fanelli didn't have his helmet on tightly, he should take some responsibility for his own injury. If a helmet is on properly a simple body check wouldn't make it pop out like that.

[Brian McCallion]

The Liambas suspension fails to appropriately apportion responsibility for the incident. The offence here was boarding: Liambas hit Fanelli into the boards at excessive speed. That warrants a penalty and a suspension in the circumstances. But an entire season? Mr. Branch overreacted. No one likes to blame the victim, but Ben Fanelli, whom I wish a speedy and healthy recovery, placed himself in a vulnerable position by turning his back as he passed the puck. He was certain to be bodychecked. The game carries risk, which results in injuries. The responsibility for this unfortunate incident ought to be accorded among Mr. Liambas, Mr. Fanelli, and the nature of competitive hockey. Therefore placing all responsibility on Mr. Liambas is unwarranted and unjust.

[Jamie]

I was taught since novice not to mess around in the area 3-5 ft off of the boards (there was even a name for that area but i can't remeber it off the top of my head), and to NEVER turn towards the boards in that area EVER. also, if that kid was wearing a full face mask with and a mouth guard, he'd probably be playing this weekend. Helmets aren't designed to stay on your head without a facemask (look at the hit on Kessel the other night, he consciously kept his head up and off the ice, but his helmet was long gone. If he had of been knocked out, his head would have smoked the ice and it would have been a disaster).

[baac]

Hmmmm.... You know what they call a minor league player that doesn't finish his checks? A minor league player.

You can't tell these kids that they have to give it all they have to make it, and then punish them when they do. The hit was harsh, but it's what is expected of them if they want to advance. If he let up, then everyone would be on him for being soft. These kids can't win.

You can say you have different standards from the NHL, but that's entirely hypocritical when you say your main task is to prepare players for the NHL. (Should we start preparing firemen by not exposing them to fires because they're dangerous?) Dumbing it down will only get these players killed if/when they reach the NHL. What happens to the next player who has never learned to deal with the speed and force of the professional game ends up in the tracks of next generation's Scott Stevens?

The bigger factor is the 20/16 thing. It's ridiculous that this man and this boy were on the ice at the same time. If you want to change something about the game, change that.

[Al Harris]

Damien,
Usually you’re right on – but you (and your editor) really owe a public apology to Ben Fanelli and his family for featuring that tear-jerking piece about poor, remorseful Michael Liambas.
You present Liambas as neither “an enforcer or a goon” when, in fact he is both – check his stats – Liambas is close to the OHL’s all-time lead in fights-per-game with .346 – He’s had 48 fights in just 124 OHL games!
Also check out his compilation YouTube videos showing all his fights and vicious hits – something to be proud of.
And did you happen to see his hit from behind on John Tavares last year? – I guess he was sorry about that too.

Damien, If you appreciate irony you'll like this - last year an injured Liambas was watching his team from the stands when an opposition player delivered a check to the head one of the younger Otter players. Liambas, enraged, charged the penalty box to confront the penalized player and had to be removed by security guards.
Erie GM Sherry Bassin later explained Liambas’ actions:

"He was very upset that a 19-year-old would hit a 16-year-old like that," Bassin said of Liambas. "It tells
you how he feels about the team. It doesn't make it right. ... He overreacted."

But let’s not lose sight of what Liambas brings to his team offensively – a whopping 5 goals and 6 assists over 4 seasons.
The so-called experts argue that hitting is part of the game – although for Liambas its 100% of his game.

This story isn’t about David Branch and the OHL, or helmet chin straps or legal hockey hits…. It’s about a promising young hockey player lying in a hospital bed - and about fringe player that has proven over and over that he doesn’t deserve the privilege to play the game of hockey.

[John]

Well, my initial reactions were these: 1) why are 16 year old boys playing with 20 year old men? Four years difference at these young ages is vast compared to older players - with marked variation in size, strength, power and smarts. Perhaps Mr. Branch should take a closer look at this aspect, given that these are not professionals and the majority are unlikely to be. 2) This punishment is harsh, I said to myself. But after reading your column and understanding the commissioner's perspective more clearly, I conclude now that he got the ruling, and the sentiment, right on. The OHL is not the NHL, thank God, nor should it be.

[Bruce]

120 5 6 11 340
Match these numbers to Liambis' career and you may think twice about labelling him something other than an enforcer or a goon. Hint: the 340 ain't points, and the penalties a lot more than holding and hooking. 5 goals and 340 PIMs in 120 games is goon in any league. Just so happens that the OHL threshold for accepting violence is different than the NHL, but still not low enough given this guy's past and more recent antics. CLEAN UP THE GAME. PERIOD. CBC, say adios to Don Cherry and bring some respectability back to hockey on TV and hockey period. I hate seeing stuff like this - the kid was 16, and the 20 year old career goon had the bomb doors open. Forget the helmet, the head turn, the intention - this guy has a reputation for playing over the edge and this time took it way too far. I've been playing hockey for 39 years and like tough but FAIR play - keep the unskilled knuckleheads on the sidelines. Do tennis players beat up their opponent to get an edge. Golfers? Baseball players? Footballers? "It's a game of speed and toughness; let the players police themselves; it's always been in the game; to say otherwise means your a pansy..." BULLCRAP. What the hell is so difficult about cleaning up a game hellbent on violence?

[Dennis B]

Clean but vicious hit, it is a part of the sport. Why is this guy being made a scapegoat? If Branch wants to change the rules go ahead, but do it without persecuting this kid for an unpenalized hit. It is great that Branch wants to take some of the volience out of junior hockey, but does he need to sensationalize the issue with the outcome of a clean hit. Rather than condemn the kid, Branch should look in the mirror and condemn the sport he's managing -- make changes if necessary, but if this was a legal hit then use this as an impetus to change the rules and leave Lambias alone. This is an absolute farce and Branch is not as hero for using Lambias to achieve whatever he's after.

[Alex]

Like others, I've been thinking about this situation for a few days now and I've come to the following conclusions:
1) The OHL is all about "seeing tomorrow's stars today" but apparently only when they are trying to sell tickets because in reality they play different sports. Thanks for setting me straight Mr. Branch. Who'd have thunk it?
2) How can you hit someone too hard in a hockey game? I've watched the hit over and over again and it was clean. Feet on the ice, elbow down, no charge and no deliberate head shot (at least nothing apparent). It was hard, for sure, but players are expected to forecheck and finish their hits. That's the game and it's the same from Midget to the NHL.
3) 16 and 20...these numbers are ridiculous and always have been. Not that I haven't seen a few 15 year olds at 6'4'' and 210 who hit like a sledgehammer, but they really should scrap the overager rule. When you are done you are done. Good luck with city league, Europe or whatever comes next.
4) Fanelli either didn't see Liambas coming or turned away from him thinking he'd take the hit to make the play. We've all heard it, usually from our own coaches: "sacrifice the body to make the pass" and all that crap. Either he made a very poor decision regarding his own safety or he wasn't taught to make the right one in the first place (Hello Coach!). Either way you don't turn your back on an incoming freight train. The rule is as ubiquitous as "keep your head up." I personally learned that lesson one day after regaining consciousness somewhere between the blue line and the top of the circle in the offensive zone. I don't blame the guy who hit me for hurting me. I was playing a full contact sport and failed to protect myself. Fanelli has paid a much stiffer price for committing the same offense. I never made that mistake again and I hope Fanelli gets many more opportunities to avoid repeating his error.
5) I think Branch has been watching too much Battle of the Blades. He's confused about what hockey players are supposed to do in an actual game.
6) Liambas is a fringe player who really only contributes a physical presence. So what? The fans who pay the bills like the game a certain way and that means the freight trains of the world have a spot on the roster. If Branch wants to change that they he's welcome to, but my interest and support for the OHL game will evaporate as he does. And I am not alone.
7) Liambas is getting railroaded.
8) I hope Fanelli recovers quickly and fully and returns to both his real life and the game soon.

/A

[Armando]

The hit was clean, period! The Fanelli kid froze when he saw Liambas coming in, he had plenty of time to clear the puck to avoid getting hit, instead he hesitated until the last second to turn his body and clear the puck the opposite way. Too late Liambas had a clean shot, he didn't blindside Fanelli. I feel for the kid but it was an unfortunate injury that he could have avoided if he just moved the puck faster.

[Geoff Read]

My only beef with the suspension is that that same hit gets made about once a game and sometimes a penalty isn't even called. Hockey executives at all levels punish the results of actions rather than the actions themselves. If Liambas' hit deserves a year-long suspension than the OHL needs to codify that somehow in its rule-book and suspend EVERYONE who throws a hit of that nature. To me, Branch is scapegoating Liambas while the real problem is that the OHL (and most other pro or semi-pro leagues) routinely allows or even encourages that kind of bodycheck.

[FightingIrish]

The hit on Fanelli was not a dirty hit. Check the replay. Liambas was not, repeat not, moving his feet prior to reaching to goal line. Therefore it was not charging, maybe boarding. Fanelli turned away from the oncoming player which basically caused the boarding and most importantly its obvious he wasn't wearing his helmet properly as it popped off when he was hit...not, repeat not, when his head hit the stanchion. That is why he suffered the injury. I've covered the OHL for over 20 years and at least half the players on each team don't tighten their chin strap. Also, it's stupid to say interfering with incoming players should be allowed as interference is a penalty. A player can skate in with an oncoming player and slow him down, but a pick is not legal in hockey and could be just as dangerous. As for the age differential, that's ridiculous. Plenty of small 20 year olds play in Major Junior hockey, in fact the majority of overagers are smaller, "skill" players who, unfortunately, likely aren't going to make the NHL because of their lack of size. There are also plenty of 6 foot 5 220 pound 16 or 17 year olds who punish those small 20 year olds. If anything they should not allow 16 year olds in major junior.