The NHL has had its fair share of embarrassments in recent years: the Columbus Blue Jackets phallic cannon mascot, a third lockout in 18 years, the Guardian Project.
None of those warranted a suspension in the league's eyes. But Canucks coach John Tortorella rose to that level with his actions Saturday night in Vancouver.
Tortorella was hammered with a 15-day (six-game) suspension by the NHL on Monday night for trying to get inside the Calgary Flames locker room during the first intermission of Saturday's game that featured eight ejections and more unnecessary violence than Grand Theft Auto.
From the story on NHL.com:
"Mr. Tortorella's actions in attempting to enter the Calgary Flames locker room after the first period were both dangerous and an embarrassment to the League," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "Coaches in the NHL bear the responsibility of providing leadership, even when emotions run high, and Mr. Tortorella failed in his responsibility to the game."
The shame of it all is Tortorella was so close to coming out of that melee as the good guy ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Dave Lozo
John Tortorella Suspended: Coach Falls Off Anger Wagon Despite Best Intentions
January 20th, 2014 by Dave Lozo Leave a reply »
Advertisement