Flames Jokinen Gets Harsh Penalty For X-Checking (video)

Added on Nov 21, 2010 by J Merrill in

NHL

I heard about the suspension the other day, but I didn’t see the actual penalty till this afternoon. Here is how it all went down. The video of the hit is below.

Calgary Flame Olli Jokinen was called for a cross check on the head of the Colorado Avalanche player Wojtek Wolski. He was given a major penalty for cross checking and a game misconduct for the incident that took place around the 10 minute mark of the third period. The NHL released its official statement and ruling that reads “ Calgary Flames’ forward Olli Jokinen has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $48,387.09 in salary.”

In my opinion, this is a tough suspension for the play in the video. Obviously Jokinen agrees, he released in a statement “I disagree with the League’s decision to suspend me for three games. I believed from our discussion this morning that there was an understanding that my intent was not to injure and circumstances that resulted in my stick going higher then expected. While I am upset with the ruling, I will abide by it and serve my three games while preparing to help my team when I return. I will have no further say on the matter.”

The Calgary Flames front office has since released this statement that says “We are very disappointed that the League has ruled this incident worthy of a three game suspension for Olli. However, we respect both the review process and the League’s decision.” The leagues decision means he will miss Nov. 19 vs. Chicago, Nov. 21 at Detroit and Nov. 22 at New York Rangers. He is eligible to return Nov. 24 at New Jersey.

This seems like a harsh penalty, and it really sounded to me like the league had their mind made up before even speaking with Jokinen. If he a good reason for his stick coming up, then i especially think it was to harsh. This looks like a one game suspension at best.