Monday, June 20, 2011

Shanny the Disciplinarian

I was pretty intrigued to hear that Brendan Shannahan was named as the League Disciplinarian for next season. Shanny seems to have done some good work for the League by being open to rule changes and was responsible for the All-Star Game format change. What he has done so far has been fairly well received. I liked that idea of picking teams for the All-Star Game; it introduced some interest that has been sorely lacking.
I think the weakest point of the NHL has been in this area. There is very little consistency for discipline. Star players are given lighter suspensions, injuring a star player resulted in a longer suspension and/or fine. Two different players could receive a different sentence for exactly the same crime.
I am hopeful that Shanny's rapport with the GM's, coaches and players throughout the league will allow him to be a firm, but fair voice.

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