Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Kaleta Suspended

October 11, 2013, 9:33 PM ET [16 Comments]
GARTH'S CORNER
NHL news by Garth • RSSArchiveCONTACT
pkmillsie
Thanks, Dan Hickling



This must be the quiet before the storm.

Friday came and went and the NHL didn't conduct its hearing with Buffalo Sabres right wing Patrick Kaleta.

The reason for the delay is that Kaleta will have an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday for the contact that he made to the head of Columbus D-man jack Johnson in the first period of the Blue Jackets' 4-1 win in Buffalo on Thursday night. There was no penalty called on the play.

Per NHL.com, Kaleta is now suspended.

For how long? We don't know exactly. Its at least a five game ban.

According to the NHL, Kaleta was offered the opportunity for an in-person hearing as required by provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for any suspension that can exceed five games. He is suspended pending his hearing. Kaleta will have to sit out the next two games against Chicago and Minnesota.

At 3:10 of the first period, Kaleta collided with Columbus defenseman Jack Johnson near the boards just inside the Buffalo zone. No penalty was assessed for that hit, but Kaleta received a fighting major after engaging with the Blue Jackets' Jared Boll after the hit.

Johnson remained in the game.

The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: illegal check to the head. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.

Press play on the below video and fast forward to the :29 second mark.

Kaleta enters the picture, at a rapid rate and hits Johnson, who had just thrown a pass. Lega check. Kaleta's check was not late as it occurred a second after the pass left Johnson's stick.

It appears from the video as though Kaleta made high contact with Johnson. Was Kaleta's principle point of contact Johnson's head? Shoulder? Chest?


Did Kaleta violate Rule 48?


Thats for Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Saftey to determine.




Kaleta and Shanahan have developed quite an interesting relationship the past two years.


An in-person hearing carries with it a 5+ game suspension.


The NHL suspended Kaleta for 5 games last season for this hit on Brad Richards.




Kaleta was suspended for four games in 2011 fior this head butt in Jakub Voracek











_______________________________________________________________________
Join the Discussion: » 16 Comments » Post New Comment
More from GARTH'S CORNER
» Hailing Taxis
» He With The Gold Makes The Rules
» Sedentary Seven
» The Sedentary Seven
» GadZuccs