Matt Cooke's Suspension

By now if you follow hockey, you've heard about Matt Cooke's hit on Ryan McDonagh that happened on March 20th (if not, see below). You've probably also heard about the suspension, but if not, let me enlighten you.



Cooke was suspended for the rest of the regular season (10 games) plus the first round of the playoffs, so a potential 17 games. I'll be honest, I was just expecting 10 games for him but the NHL had to make an example out of a head hit since it was a huge topic of conversation at last week's GM meetings. But I also think that the suspension by the league isn't nearly as damaging as the punishment from the Penguins may be. Shero released a comment soon after the NHL's ruling and it makes me feel that something is brewing in the Pens' head office.

"The suspension is warranted because that's exactly the kind of hit we're trying to get out of the game. Head shots have no place in hockey. We've told Matt in no uncertain terms that this kind of action on the ice is unacceptable and cannot happen. Head shots must be dealt with severely, and the Pittsburgh Penguins support the NHL in sending this very strong message." (NHL.com)

The part that sticks out most to me is:

"We've told Matt in no uncertain terms that this kind of action on the ice is unacceptable and cannot happen."

Matt Cooke is known for dirty hits and was hit with a suspension earlier this year because of the same kind of behavior in addition to a dirty hit on Marc Savard last year that went unpunished. Mario Lemieux has come out with statements talking about changes on the ice in relation to hits and getting rid of Cooke makes a statement that he is dead serious about the issue. With over three hits in the past year, I'm thinking "Cookie" can say bye bye to his Pens jersey soon.

I have no doubt that if Cooke gets released, someone else will snatch him up. He is a good player when he plays clean, it's just keeping his game clean that is the hard (if not impossible) part. But I feel that if he doesn't shape up soon, he will be saying bye bye to the NHL and trying to find ice time somewhere else.


Is this a bad thing? At this time I really don't think it is. If he can't play clean, he has no place in hockey, especially if the only thing he focuses on at times is hurting other players instead of going for the puck.

My opinion may be harsh, but I believe that more responsibility needs to be taken for intentional actions, especially those that are obviously aimed to hurt someone. A 17 game suspension is a step in the right direction and if that doesn't get the players' attention I'm not sure what will when it comes to head hits other than kicking repeat offenders out of the league. If we want players to keep playing, intent to harm needs to be addressed no matter who the offender is.