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Anton Blomqvist avoids suspension and fines and I am not at all surprised.
But I’m glad it was a little bump on the nose.
And I hope it started a useful discussion about the use of language in hockey.
Because this has undoubtedly harmed the sport.
Now Anton Blumqvist still received a reprimand from the disciplinary commission, so he was not fully justified.
They state that what he said in the booth was a direct call for rule violations that do not pertain to any sport.
In addition, they comment that the statement directly harms the sport’s reputation.
I completely agree with that.
Now it was devastating that Blomqvist was there in the booth and his words got out to everyone watching.
Several members of the hockey family have tried to sweep it under the rug and say it’s nothing special with one even claiming that Blomqvist was just doing his job.
But those not directly involved in the industry reacted forcefully in the other direction.
Quite powerful in many cases and there have been huge reactions on social media and in my inbox.
I understand them and the danger is that it scares many.
Let me also say that I’ve heard much worse things said by both coaches and players, but it was in closed rooms and in less public contexts, that’s where most things are described.
Now everything came out live.
After that, Anders Blomqvist downplayed what he said and admitted that he should have used other words, “dirty” and played badly.
But every now and then he seemed to really mean it.
Many fights and ugly cutscenes
AIK was down 5-1 and the game was basically over.
I completely understand that in this situation you want to come out and point out that there will be another game and that beating Hovett will hurt.
But after Blomqvist called on the players, there was no sweet ending to the match in Ö-vik last time out.
The players took his word for it and it culminated in several fights and a penalty kick on defender Eric Noreen, for an ugly cut on Oscar Peterson’s knee.
This made the impression reinforce.
And it wasn’t a pretty way to end an already lost hockey game.
Hockey has always had a problem with its manly demeanor and there are still those who lack real fights.
But even in the NHL, they left the time when hockey was more brutal.
I’ve been to sick utterly sick leagues on the shadow side of hockey in Canada, where not many get to see, but where gladiatorial games were more than hockey and where the entertainment consisted only of scarred bastards staring at each other.
And it wasn’t a joke. The ultimate goal was to brutally take out the opponent.
I will never forget my meeting with one of the biggest questionable companies, Link Gaetz.
Or “the missing link” as he called it – the missing link.
Skilled players are protected and given priority
He was one of the most intimidating fighters and a decent hockey player in the NHL, but a chaotic personal life, parties, and a serious car accident put an end to that career.
After that, he could only make a living by fighting.
It was a tragic fate.
Today, the NHL has long chosen a different path.
The fighters are almost gone and the referees no longer turn a blind eye to hooks, holds and other game ruining moments.
Skilled players are protected and prioritized, which paved the way for completely different types of players.
Quick and skilful players who have room to shine.
Love her.
Hockey today in the NHL is much more interesting than it was before.
One is in SHL as well.
Physical play and tackling will always be a part of sport and there will be things said that sound more serious than they really are.
But there are always limits.
It’s still good that the Disciplinary Board has confirmed it.