*Author's note: So I've been informed in comments that there is a Committee. But, I still like my idea of the committee make up!
Please note: It seems that there are a number of fans of all teams increasingly disappointed with the way that Mr. Colin Campbell has been issuing discipline for NHL infractions. The word on the street is that, at times, the rulings seem biased and unfair. Now, while I understand that each case is different and that past perpetrators are viewed somewhat differently than first timers, there does seem to be a bias towards those higher-up in the NHL food chain.
I will not go into specific instances because I do not have enough space or time. Suffice it to say – There have been plenty!!
While I have yet to see the NHL resort to clear-cut, black & white, well defined punishments for specific infractions, I would at least like to know if there is a standard, written guide-line for them. Something as simple as a list stating:
“The following infractions require suspensions of: a) 5 Games if you make $1.5 mil or above. B) 15 games if you are a rookie . C) 0 games if your name is Sydney Crosby”
That I would understand.
However, as I’m certain you will never be able to supply the fans or the players with such an easy to memorize penalty system, I am offering up the following suggestion.
Penalty by Committee: Yes! The American Idol School of Judgment! Rather than pinning the weight of suspension on ONE league representative, I’d like to see three! And not just any three. I’d like to see one from the league, one from officiating and one from the NHLPA. (Okay, I know that may be TOUGH right now considering the state of the NHLPA, but there’s gotta be someone left there with a brain. Although, they could just be Paula. Or Ellen! Yeah!)
Just as with American Idol, this will eliminate punishment by bias or the appearance of bias. Let the panel of Judges view the video tapes and all come to a conclusion of what punishment fits the crime. Fair and reasonable and no one gets a free pass to the next round or unduly punished financially.
I know you already have some sort of secret guideline that says playoff games are worth more than regular season games, but if you are going to do that, you should probably also have guidelines that say pre-season games are valued differently than regular season games. Because in actuality, pre-season games are simply exhibition games and maybe infractions in those show more “intent to injure” than those that happen when the points really count and the stakes are high. (Just a thought… just a thought.)
Sound like a plan? Good.
Now, please take a real good look at all those tapes of Dion Phaneuf splaying Kyle Okposo on the ice during a pre-season game this week. Please also look carefully at the tapes of Pascal Morency stepping on the ice immediately following.
By all means, consult with Coach Scott Gordon. He’s excellent with digital video. He can stop it and show you the exact split-second that each of these events occurred. I’m certain he’d be happy to do so. Once you have reviewed these tapes from every possible angle, THEN …. THEN make your decision on Mr. Morency’s suspension.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dee Karl
NYI 7th Woman
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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