Zack Kassian Gets 20-Game Suspension

((HT: TV Cogeco))

In what, probably, is a precursor to the upcoming decision on Patrice Cormier's shot to the head of Mikael Tam in the QMJHL, Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian got a 20-game suspension for this hit on the Barrie Colts Matt Kennedy back on the 14th.

Kassian left his feet, led with his forearm and laid Kennedy out.
No debate here...
Pretty classless...



"I don't remember getting hit. I couldn't tell you what happened," Matt Kennedy told the Toronto Star at the time. "I kind of blacked out."

Ontario Hockey League president David Branch issued a statement:
"While the League is persuaded that player Zack Kassian did not leave his feet prior to contact with the Barrie player, It is the position of the League that player Zack Kassian checked the unsuspecting Barrie player while such player was in a vulnerable position without having been in the possession of the puck. Players must understand that they shall be held accountable for their actions and we must continue to work to improve the level of respect players have towards opposing players."

And such...

Kassian is a first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, and he's lucky he didn't get what Cormier is going to get come Monday... the HQ thinks that'll be pretty severe...

Liambas Suspended For Season For Fanelli Hit

((HT: Fan590AM/Toronto))

The Ontario Hockey League is suspending Michael Liambas of the Erie Otters for the entire season and playoffs.

The decision comes after a boarding incident in a game between Erie and the Kitchener Rangers last Friday. Liambas was assessed a match penalty for his hit on Ben Fanelli ((pictured, thanks Kitchener Rangers)), who suffered skull and facial fractures on the play.

Fanelli's helmet flew off and he fell unconscious to the ice before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Doctors recently upgraded his condition to serious but stable.

Fanelli is four years younger than the 20-year-old Liambas, who has now played his last OHL game.

Here's the hit, thanks to our friends at RogersTV-Kitchener...


It was a busy day for "HockeyCentral" on the Fan as Daren Millard and Doug MacLean had both Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch and Erie Otters Managing Partner/GM Sherry Bassin on to discuss the punishment...

Here's Branch with Millard and MacLean
Here's Bassin with Millard and MacLean

Will this "send a message?"
Don't know... but those of us at OSG HQ doubt it in the long run...