What should have been a celebration after a great men's hockey series last Friday night at the Sunshine Coast Arena was marred by an ugly incident on the ice.
The Suncoast Flyers and Rangers went toe-to-toe in game two of their championship series. Both teams put on a show for the fans in one of the best games of the season.
The game was highlighted by awesome goal-tending and great plays and should have been remembered for the 1-0 overtime thriller won by the Flyers. But that's not what most people who were at the rink are talking about this week. People are discussing an uncalled-for act of violence by two players from the Flyers.
After the Flyers scored the game-winning and championship-clinching goal, Paul Johnson decided he didn't want to mob the rest of his teammates in celebration. He decided to toss off his gloves and make a run at the Rangers' goaltender. To make matters worse, Paul's brother Drew also joined in and a Rangers' player was hurt when he was punched. It's not known exactly how, but the player's head was cut and bleeding onto the ice.
The rest of the Flyers jumped in, trying to cool the situation, as did the Rangers and officials, but the damage was done.
Even more disgusting was Paul's reaction as he left the ice in the arms of one of the officials, hooting and hollering with his fists pumping in celebration over what he had accomplished.
The players from both teams involved in this incident were jawing at each other throughout the game, but that still is no excuse for what transpired.
This team has worked hard all year long to win the title. They've won the championship after a great game and this is how they choose to celebrate that accomplishment - by attacking two opposing players?
This is men's beer league recreational hockey. There is no place for this type of behaviour. Emotions run high and everyone wants to win, but that's not how to go about doing it. At the end of the day, everyone is out to have fun. No one is having fun after this incident.
Paul and Drew were assessed fighting majors and match penalties and are facing a suspension once the league meets to decide their fate.
The Flyers may have won the title, but too bad that title is tainted by the lack in judgment of a few.
