Rebels defenseman Erik Alden has been suspended one game by the KIJHL for his hit on Creston Valley captain Travis Ludwar late in the first period of Saturday night's 4-3 victory. Alden was assessed a checking-to-the-head major and a game misconduct on the play. Ludwar was down on the ice for several minutes and did not return.I'll put up audio reaction from head coach Steve Junker later in the day after it runs on Mountain FM, but Creston Valley coach Joe Martin has this statement posted on the Thunder Cats' website.
"If you ask the fans, actually anyone other than the referee's (sic) that was bad, very bad, honestly the worst I have ever seen in hockey. I compare it to the players that were suspended in the CHL last season. If the KIJHL does not take this seriously, there is seriously something wrong. The ref kept saying to me it was not premeditated, check yourself at 59:07 of the game film, Alden is OFF his feet and his elbow is in Ludwar's face. Alden left the blue line and hit Ludwar below the hash marks hmmm 40 feet and not intentional?"
To take a look at the lead-up and the hit, click here. (note, file has to be downloaded, it's about 1 MB in size).
**UPDATE** Our sports director Jon Zacks will have both coaches on Overtime tonight. I've listened to the Martin interview and think he brings up a number of valid points. I'll post the audio once it airs.
Ludwar is out week-to-week with a grade three concussion.
2 comments:
Alden is getting off way too easily. That hit is atleast a 10 game suspy. He leaves hit feet, puck wasn't even there and he was charging, and he saw and knew Ludwar was in a vulnrable position.
Definately worthy of a longer suspension, at least 10 if not more.
Leaves his feet, deliberate blow to the head. The KIJHL is not taking this seriously enough with just 1 game given out.
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