Canadian Thug Savagely Attacks Harvard Law Graduate, Then Cries Aboot It
Todd Bertuzzi and the rest of the Vancouver Canucks only had one thing on their mind Monday night as they took on the Northwest Division leading Colorado Avalanche… revenge. The game became lopsided early as the Colorado Avalanche took a 5-0 lead into the locker room of what was a fight filled first period. Rookie forward Steve Moore of the Colorado Avalanche, deemed a marked man by Canucks forward Brad May, Canucks head coach Marc Crawford, and Canucks general manager Brian Burke for his shoulder check on Canucks forward Markus Naslund on February 16, even joined in on the fisticuffs. At 6:36 of the first period, Moore answered the bell with Vancouver’s Matt Cooke. The two players tangled for a short fight with no real decisive winner. At 16:19 of the first period, Steve Moore scored what may prove to be his last goal in hockey.
At 8:41 of the 3rd period, Todd Bertuzzi took Moore’s life, his teams vendetta wishes, and his hockey future in his hands. As Moore was skating up the ice, looking at the puck on the far side, Bertuzzi grabbed Moore’s jersey from behind and threw a wild haymaker. The punch connected with Moore’s temple, knocking him unconscious. Bertuzzi then drove Moore’s face into the ice as Moore fell and continued to land two more punches to Moore’s face. As a result, Moore was taken off the ice on a stretcher and Bertuzzi was assessed a 5-minute match penalty for intent to injure. Moore was taken to a local hospital where doctors discovered he suffered deep facial lacerations and a broken neck.
The biggest discussion of late is the suspension that should be levied against Bertuzzi. Chokeytown’s suggestion is as follows:
- Todd Bertuzzi suspended for a calendar year without pay. If there is a lockout next year, the suspension is carried over to the next year that the NHL has games.
- Marc Crawford suspended for 20 games (13 regular season, 7 playoffs)
- Brad May suspended for 20 games (13 regular season, 7 playoffs)
- If Steve Moore is unable to return to the NHL, Vancouver must compensate the Colorado Avalanche with draft picks.
Our well wishes go out to Steve Moore.
Chokeline Fact: Bertuzzi suspended for the remainder of the season and all of the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Vancouver Canucks fined $250,000. In a teary response, Bertuzzi apologizes to Steve Moore, the fans, and the kids. He also mentioned that he didn�t mean to hurt Mr. Moore. I guess a sucker punch to the side of the head is the way they hug in Vancouver.
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