Rutherford On Sutter Hit In Bob McKenzie Column

Glad to see Rutherford react this way. It’s exactly what needs to be said. I can only hope the the main stream hockey media pays attention and asks Betteman some tough questions.

and John Forslund’s view.

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/rs/blogpost/3822503/

You know, Betteman takes fan questions on Thursdays on XM radio. Unfortunately I’ll be at work when he’s on but if someone else wants to ask…

Bettman would dodge that question or spin it so that you were a redneck rube for asking it.

I’ve seen a lot of comment on the hit, and the need to get rid of this type of thing in the NHL. Everyone has their point of view, and that’s as it should be. The one thing I have a hard time understanding is the opposition to head hits because of the issue of intent. Several people have defended the hit, and others like it, because there was no intent to injure. It’s as if the lack of intent mitigates the end result. My answer to that is:high sticking. It is always a penalty, regardless of intent. A player is responsible for their stick at all times, and even an unintentional high stick is a penalty. Why can’t head hits be treated the same? A player should be held responsible for their checks, regardless of their intent. It is probably true that nothing will ever end all head hits, after all, high sticking still occurs, but it would give clear black and white treatment to these hits, and give an ongoing basis for disciplinary action. Just one person’s opinion.

When you hit a person in the head you are trying to injure him. Head shots should be banned. End of discussion.