Why is cheap shot behavior in hockey acceptable? Why can players deliberately try and hurt players, and not be looked down on by fans or players? Maybe they are, but why then are there no repercussions? Why does the NHLPA put up with members of their union going out and deliberately taking out other members of their union? Makes no sense to me!
Today in an IIHF World Championship game between Canada and Finland, team Canada captain Corey Perry went out of his way to deliberately (yes you cannot deny it—watch the video) sweep his leg out to cut down Finland’s Patrick Laine. Laine immediately went to the bench with an injury after the play. Finland was shutting out Canada at the time, and Perry showed his true colors.
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Patrik Laine is projected to be a top three pick in this years NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old has shown great promise while playing at the World Championships. He will be a star in the NHL, probably as soon as next season. Laine took the play in stride and showed sarcasm in a comment to National Post writer Michael Traikos, “Maybe they tried to piss me off because I’m young and in my opinion a pretty good player.”
The hockey world took to Twitter today after the incident. Many media members and fans (Canadian fans) voiced there displease with the conduct of Corey Perry. Here is a sample of a few tweets. Hockey is a wonderful game and we don’t need plays like this giving it a bad name. I would like to think that hockey players are above this behavior.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.