Suspension for Removing Helmets

[chilly666]

The Ontario Hockey League today announced the result of its review of an incident which occurred in the game played in Belleville, Ontario on the 7th of January, 2009 between the Bulls and the visiting Oshawa Generals, which saw players Brandon Mashinter of Belleville and James DeLory of Oshawa each removing their helmet prior to entering into an altercation.

In making his announcement, Commissioner David Branch stated, “the League has recently discussed with all its Member Teams the importance of players not removing their helmets during the course of the game for their health and welfare. We find the actions of the two players most inappropriate, inconsiderate and concerning. Fortunately, neither player was injured.”

“It is the position of the Ontario Hockey League that players Mashinter and DeLory each be suspended for one (1) game and their teams fined $100.00.”

[VodkaFish]

There will be an announcement tomorrow that this will become the norm - no more removing self-removal of helmets without a suspension.

[Y Ddraig Goch]

Originally Posted by VodkaFish

There will be an announcement tomorrow that this will become the norm - no more removing self-removal of helmets without a suspension.

They've had a 10-minute misconduct in the QMJHL for a few years for doing this.

It was all linked to insurance of players.

I guess the unfortuate incident in Ontario when that kid died after hitting his head has prompted someone up top to do something to help combat that happening again.

[zamboni4015]

Originally Posted by CatatonicMoose

They've had a 10-minute misconduct in the QMJHL for a few years for doing this.

It was all linked to insurance of players.

I guess the unfortuate incident in Ontario when that kid died after hitting his head has prompted someone up top to do something to help combat that happening again.

Yeah i think that's why they suspended those two guys for removing their helmets which is a fair way anyways to fight but i guess safety is now a big concern for the junior leagues in canada and us!

[Sanchioni]

too bad this will be my last year watching, my teams rebuilding no reason to even go now.

[Quad18star]

The Ontario Hockey League announced a new rule on Wednesday to address the issue of players losing their helmets during fights, whether intentional or otherwise.

OHL commissioner David Branch had indicated earlier in the week the rule would be implemented, and it is effective beginning with games on Thursday.

“If a player should remove his helmet or undo his chinstrap prior to or during an altercation, such player shall receive a game misconduct in addition to any other penalties assessed and an automatic one-game suspension," the new rule states.

If a player removes his helmet and an opposing player doesn't, the penalty is two games.

If the player's helmet becomes accidentally dislodged during a fight, the new rule requires linesmen to intervene immediately.

The issues of helmets and fighting have come to the fore in the province since the death Jan. 2 of senior AAA player Don Sanderson.

Sanderson, 21, was in a coma for nearly three weeks after an incident in a Dec. 12 game. The Whitby Dunlops player was without a helmet when his head struck the ice during an altercation with a Brantford player.

The reaction has spanned from those proposing an outright ban on fighting to concern that players will continue to fight with helmets and visors on, potentially leading to more injuries.

[HordiBrusk29]

Stupid knee jerk reaction to a fluke incident which isn't likely to happen again anytime soon.

While we're at it we should consider banning all physical contact, play with foam pucks and figure out a way to dull the sharp skates because they can pose a potential threat...

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Stupid knee jerk reaction to a fluke incident which isn't likely to happen again anytime soon.

While we're at it we should consider banning all physical contact, play with foam pucks and figure out a way to dull the sharp skates because they can pose a potential threat...

hahaha so true. i can see that the ohl doesn't want fighting anymore. what a joke to boot too. ok so if someone breaks there hand on a helmet or shield it will be ok instead of letting the players lose the bucket during the fight. i think not. idiots running hockey need to realize that trying to stop fighting will never happen and deal with it.

[HordiBrusk29]

There will be more injuries because of this dumb rule. I just hope the dub doesn't try and follow suit anytime soon.

[Agitator97]

Stop the fight immidiately if a player removes his opponents helmet!? What a ****ing joke. I hope Branch gets hit by a bus.

[Sanchioni]

Originally Posted by Quad18star

If the player's helmet becomes accidentally dislodged during a fight, the new rule requires linesmen to intervene immediately.

[oldtimegoodtime]

So everytime a player loses the helmet during a fight the refs are going in between, am I correct?
The worst rule I've ever heard of, let's see how many hand-injuries and linesmen getting pummeled this will cause. OHL is a joke.

[zamboni4015]

Originally Posted by oldtimegoodtime

So everytime a player loses the helmet during a fight the refs are going in between, am I correct?
The worst rule I've ever heard of, let's see how many hand-injuries and linesmen getting pummeled this will cause. OHL is a joke.

What a joke?! Stop a fight if a helmet falls off during a fight! come on those helmets cause more injuries than falling on the ice hitting your head or no helmets at all! OHL is starting to be really a no fun league anymore!

[pimking21]

what happened to sanderson is tragic. but it was a freak accident. just a typical knee jerk reaction by Branch. if someone dies getting hit (which they have) then they should ban hitting too. i guess he figures he'll try and be revolutionary with this ****, but i dont think anyones buying. they should let the players have a vote. i can see the part of not being allowed to remove your helmet before a fight, that is a rule in the league here (SIJHL) but if the bucket falls off the fight continues. i think it should be that way in the O too. the ****ing OHL will soon become a womans league in the near future if Branch keeps running it.

[Sanchioni]

We can only hope that one of the refs catches a punch trying to intervene