Former Bruin Andrew Ference Suspended for 3 Games
Nov 1, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks right wing
Zack Kassian(9) controls the puck as Edmonton Oilers defenseman
Andrew Ference(21) defends during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday the NHL Player Safety Board announced that Andrew Ference was to have a phone hearing today to determine whether or not he would be suspended for his high hit on Canucks’ Zack Kassian. The hit was sustained in Saturday night’s meeting and although he took a couple of extra minutes to get off of the ice, Kassian was not injured on the play.
“Ference takes a proper angle on this play, and squares up Kassian for a legal, full-body check. However, by driving up instead of straight through Kassian, Ference unnecessarily elevates, making Kassian’s head the main point of contact.”-NHL Player Safety
Upon his phone hearing, the NHL Player Safety Department ruled that Andrew Ference be suspended for three games. This means he will have to sit in the rafters as his team takes on some familiar faces, the Boston Bruins. For those hoping to have a week full of reunions, what with Shawn Thornton coming to town Tuesday night and Ference Thursday, they’ll have to wait another four months when the Bruins head to Edmonton.
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Given that Ference had two previous suspensions, he is considered a repeat offender. The three-games symbolizes this paired with the fact that no injury was sustained by the hit. The NHL Player Safety Board stated;
“Ference takes a proper angle on this play, and squares up Kassian for a legal, full-body check,”said the NHL Department of Player Safety in the video explaining the decision. “However, by driving up instead of straight through Kassian, Ference unnecessarily elevates, making Kassian’s head the main point of contact.”
The three-game suspension is what we expected to see Ference get. With a previous history paired with no injury sustained, there was no reason for him to get the full five-game suspension. While he won’t be on the ice in Boston, it is possible he will still travel with the team and reunite with some of his former teammates outside of the rink. While it was fun to reunite with two former Bruin greats who carried/carry Boston in the hearts and souls every day in one week, we’ll have to settle for Thornton’s homecoming and make it double or nothing.