PHL Enforcement Officer speaks out

Kimmo Timmonen's Flying Knee: Seals GM wanting harsher penalties/suspensions by PHL disciplinary officials.

Okay, in the heat of battle, tempers do flare. I get that and can relate, being an intense competitor myself.

However, when a guy has to defend or stand up for himself immediately after landing a perfectly clean, crushing hit, this is getting annoying and could lead to another potential dangerous situation. Often after a player delivers such a blow, he is momentarily defenceless and that is comparable to being hit from behind, when the teammate of the victim immediately starts his attack.

Of course, there are times when it is borderline whether or not bone-jarring hockey hits are clean or dirty. Nonetheless, it should be left up to the officials or even the PHL higher brass (ME) to make that call. Of course, easier said than done.

After taking time to view every angle of Timmonen's hit, I saw no phantom "flying knee" and there will be no further discussion about a suspension on the clean hit to Patrick O'Sullivan.

Whatever happened to taking a player’s number and getting payback later in the game or even in the season, but all within the framework of the rules? Hitting is obviously a major part of sports like football and rugby. How do players respond in those respective sports when a tremendous hit is laid? Teammates take numbers and revenge can indeed be sweet, but in most circumstances, within the confines of the rules.

Again, sticking up for teammates – good.

But…a player getting punished for performing one of the most exciting plays in hockey – NOT acceptable

CBJ GM/ PHL Enforcement Officer Warren Colston