Before you go on any further, please watch this video of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux versus the University of Minnesota Gophers hockey game.
The video you just watched took place last Saturday night in Minneapolis when the UND Fighting Sioux took on the Minnesota Gophers in men’s hockey.
It may not have seemed very bad, but I am disgusted that only two players, one from each team, received a one game suspension.
In particular, I think it is ridiculous that UND player Joe Finley, who pulled out a Minnesota player with the intent to provoke a fight during the post-game hand shake, will be allowed to play in the Sioux’s next hockey game.
All of that mess and just one player on each team will miss one game. What a joke!
Think if Al Nolen, an African-American basketball player at Minnesota, would have tried to start a fight with a Wisconsin basketball player following their game at Williams arena. Talk would have been about kicking him off the team for good. Poeple would have called him a thug and a menace.
The NCAA did not hand out harsh enough punishments to the players associated with this fight. It shows a clear double standard that exists in hockey and fighting will continue in the sport, as long as the NCAA turns their blind eye.
As a former college athlete, I am sickened that these guys did not realize that they represent a lot of more than just the name on the back of their jersey.
Joe Finley: As far as I’m concerned Joe Finley should be permanently pulled and sent back to Edina. He cost us the game on Friday night against Denver. Finley is by far the weakest link on this team. When the defense breaks down, you can bet Finley plays a part in it. He has lost three big game for us the past two seasons. I hope Hakstol can see that and respond by removing his time on the ice!