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Toronto Player Jumps Opponent After he Speared Goalie in Heated Matchup
The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs share a longstanding rivalry, extending across various hockey leagues. Despite their NHL standings, their AHL affiliates, the Belleville Senators and Toronto Marlies, are separated by just 6 points.
In a recent North Division matchup, the Marlies led 3-0 against the Belleville Senators. Seeking to ignite his team, Senators forward Boko Imama tried to shake things up, not realizing the unwavering Kyle Clifford of the Marlies.
At the end of the 2nd period, Imama intentionally bumped into Marlies goalie Dennis Hildeby to disrupt his focus. While Hildeby remained unaffected, Clifford was incensed. As the officials separated them, Clifford aggressively charged at Imama.
Imama received a hefty 34 minutes of penalties, including majors for spearing and fighting, along with a penalty for leaving the bench to incite the altercation. Clifford got 5 minutes for fighting, 2 minutes for leaving the bench, and a game misconduct.
Both players are at risk of extended suspensions for their actions.
Quoting the NHL rulebook,
The first player to leave the players' or penalty bench illegally during an altercation... shall be suspended automatically without pay for the next ten (10) regular League and/or Play-off games of his team. The second player... shall be suspended automatically without pay for the next five (5) regular League and/or Play-off games.
Source: Bladeofsteel
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 13 | 226 ANSWERS Toronto Player Jumps Opponent After he Speared Goalie in Heated Matchup Do you think both Imama and Clifford should face suspensions for their actions in the recent game? | ||
| Yes | 96 | 42.5 % |
| No | 50 | 22.1 % |
| Just Imama | 61 | 27 % |
| Just Clifford | 19 | 8.4 % |
| List of polls | ||