Suspension: PC Hockey - Bouchard |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonNovember 16, 2010 Facts: On October 23, 2010 PC’s Rod Bouchard (#25) received a major and a game misconduct for checking SAIT’s Michael Jordan in the head. According to the referee, Mr. Bouchard’s hit was from the blind side, striking Mr. Jordan in the head with a high degree of violence. No video footage of the incident was available. I have been advised that Mr. Jordan sustained a concussion as a result of Mr. Bouchard’s hit. Ruling: Rule 8.4.4 applies to this situation. It reads as follows: A major and game misconduct penalty called as the result of an injury shall be subject to review by the Commissioner. The offending player may be subject to a suspension to be determined by the Commissioner… It is unfortunate that Mr. Jordan suffered a concussion. In assessing the length of any possible suspension to an offending player, it is not the Commissioner’s policy to match the suspension to the length of the injury as such an approach would far too often result in disproportionate sanctions although the injury to an opponent is certainly a factor to be considered. Given that Mr. Bouchard hit Mr. Jordan in the head while he was in a vulnerable position, thereby causing injury, I am using my discretion to impose a two (2) game suspension. Mr. Bouchard’s two (2) game suspension shall be served as follows:
Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |