Canadian forward Scottie Upshall was suspended 1 game by the IIHF for a hit he layed on Team Hungary forward Andras Benk. A hit that would not have even been penalized in the NHL, or any other North American hockey league. Let me paint the scene for you, incase you did not catch the game. Benk had the puck and was coming out of his own end. He lost control of the puck and leaned forward to gather it back up just as Upshall came flying across the ice. Upshall caught him with a thunderous, and completely clean, bodycheck. A bodycheck which Benk did not get up from. The refs decided to go all European (ref-wise that is) and kick Upshall out of the game and give him a major and a match penalty. Thats fine, if it is deserved. Unfortunately the refs cannot review tape to see if they made the correct call, because if they could have they would have seen that it was a completely clean hit. Upshall caught Benk with a tremendous hit but during the hit you can clearly see that Upshall did not leave the ice and had his elbows tucked in. Upshall DID collide with Benks head, but it was with his shoulder. Benk was leaning forward and as such Scottie's shoulder hit Benks head. Benk put himself into that position and suffered the consequences. Now, I am not saying I am happy he broke his collar bone. However, I am saying he won't make the same mistake again. He may have gotten away with that against lesser known hockey nations such as Ukraine or Belgium, who do not play the physical game like Canada.
Hungarian fans have come out of the woodwork saying things like "It was a completely dirty and uncalled for hit when the game was already out of Hungary's reach."
Well, to those fans, I say this. You play for the entire 60 minutes and do not take it easy on a team just because they are less skilled. Thats how you develop bad habits. Benk will learn from his mistake to not make himself vulnerable. Welcome to the Big Leagues Hungary and keep your heads up. Both on the ice when the freight train is coming and off the ice, because you are doing your country proud by representing them.
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