Jakub Voracek was given a two-game suspension this weekend for interference, but won’t accept the penalty lying down. The NHLPA has filed an appeal on behalf of the Philadelphia Flyers forward, and according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet requested an expedited hearing. John Shannon of Sportsnet reports that it will be heard on Tuesday in New York. Currently, Voracek is suspended for games tonight and Thursday.
The incident that resulted in Voracek’s suspension is not one that the league deals with very often. As the puck was rimmed around the boards in the Philadelphia zone, Voracek launched himself back into Johnny Boychuk who was forechecking to try and keep it in the zone. These sort of back-checks happen frequently, but rarely result in such a clear head collision. In the original accompanying video, the Department of Player Safety explained why this one resulted in a suspension:
What causes this hit to rise to the level of supplementary discipline is the distance both players are from the puck, the substantial contact with Boychuk’s head, and the force of the hit. When Voracek initiates this hit, he and Boychuk are at the hash marks while the puck is at the goal line. There is no reason for any player in Boychuk’s position to anticipate contact of any kind, let alone a forceful hit to the head by an opponent’s back.
As is his right, Voracek will first have a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman who will issue a ruling. Unfortunately because of the short length of suspension, the second appeal with an independent arbitrator is not and option. With no history of suspension or fines on his record, it will be interesting to see if Bettman reduces it at all, and if his decision is made in time to get Voracek back in the Philadelphia line up in time for Thursday’s game.
there we go Jake, tell em off.
I’d say for him thinking that was in any way a legal hit, give him an extra game! I don’t think if it was reversed Voracek would be ok with this hit.
Again the issue is the length of the punishment. Had this been Malkin or Marchand the league would have averted its eyes.
Malkin took a deliberate two handed swing of his stick a few weeks ago against the Flyers and got one game. You’re clueless.
I like the idea that a game is added if you are found guilty AGAIN. What a waste of resources
Let me be clear. Are you calling me clueless?
1980’s that would of been legal
Typical Flyer non-sense. He said he laid the hit as “self-defense.” No attempt to play puck and said Boychuk was coming straight at him ready to hit him. If that was the case I think Boychuk would have been ready for the contact. He is lucky to get 2 and for wasting their time should get a 3rd.
And not for nothing, why does the NHLPA get involved? One of their members was injured. How are they looking out for his well-being? If he has a concussion couldn’t you make the argument the NHLPA condones this type of play and have the player sue the union for defending the player laying the hit. Seems like his dues are paying for the lawyers against him.