Anaheim Ducks' minor league defenseman Mathieu Carle was suspended two games by the KHL for possibly bumping a referee the other night in a game. Carle, who is playing for Dinamo Riga, got the mini-vacation from the Kontinental Hockey League after having been given match penalty for the alleged incident.

The league claims Carle made contact with the referee in a game against Metallurg Magnitogorsk on Monday night. Carle received the match penalty for "abuse of officials and unsportsmanlike conduct."

Carle has never played a game with the Ducks or in the NHL, but managed to squeeze in four games with the Syracuse Crunch last season. That means this news has very little interest value to Anaheim fans or even hockey fans in general.

Carle has two goals and one assist in 19 games this season for Riga.

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The NHL lockout has sucked the life out of hockey since it was first declared on September 15. Each day that passes feels like an eternity. In fact, I found myself getting excited for the start of the NBA season. Really? Basketball? Who does that?

I have never been much of a basketball fan, but at least they are starting the 2012-13 season on time. Last year, the NBA had some labor issues of its own. After officials ironed out a new deal and the dust finally settled, the NBA played a shortened, but productive season.

My hope is that the NHL learned something from their sister league and follows suit.

Until then, let's go Lakers!

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