Zack Kassian's hit on Petr Senkerik is another example of the brutal physicality of the sport.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Zack Kassian is in hot water again.
The Canadian forward known for his robust and physical play was at the epicentre of another controversial hit in Canada's 7-2 win over the Czech Republic. Kassian, who made the team due to his intimidating presence, maintains he was simply "finishing his check" when he took out Petr Senkerik on a hit that resulted in the Czech player being carted off the ice on a stretcher.
Many have already compared the play to the hit Kassian served up on Barrie Colts forward Matt Kennedy in the Ontario Hockey League last season. The Windsor Spitfires forward received a 20-game suspension for that hit and could face further disciplinary sanctions from the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Kassian wouldn't compare the two hits, but his general manager in Windsor, Warren Rychel, felt the penalty call was an overreaction by the European referees.
"Much like the hit on Kennedy, Kassian did not leave his feet," Rychel told sportsnet.ca. "It was a good hit, unfortunately (Senkerik) had his head down and the refs reacted to the noise and the player's injury. I believe if it was a North American referee crew, it would have been not called (a penalty). The refs panicked because they've probably never seen anything like that before."
Kassian received a five-minute major and a game misconduct in addition to a one-game suspension. The hit will also be reviewed by IIHF disciplinary judge Dan Marouelli to determine whether Kassian should require an additional suspension to the automatic one-game ban.
A decision will be made within 24 hours.
The hit will likely become the water-cooler topic of conversation around the country the next couple days.
Many will ask: "Did you see Kassian's hit?" Where many will say "yes," those within Hockey Canada are saying, "no."
"To be honest, I told another reporter there I just had my head buried," assistant captain Brayden Schenn said. "I was gassed on the bench and didn't see it and they didn't show a replay on the video board so I really can't comment on it if I didn't see it."
The response was similar from each of the other players asked to give his take on the controversial hit. Not coincidentally, the only person within Hockey Canada willing to admit to have seen the hit isn't willing to offer his opinion.
Head coach Dave Cameron basically offered a "no comment" by saying, "It doesn't matter what I think, I have no input into it. ... Whatever happens, happens."
Team Czech Republic assistant coach Jiri Fischer said Senkerik was awake after being taken off on a stretcher. He was receiving medical attention at the rink before likely being taken to the hospital, Fischer said.
"Obviously we're happy (he was awake)," Fischer added. "It was a pretty scary moment -- especially the way he left the ice."
Kassian displayed remorse by saying, "I just hope he's alright. You never want to see anyone get hurt. When you see a stretcher come out, it's not the best feeling in the world."
Kassian is hoping his form will come into play when Marouelli makes his decision. He mentioned several times during his short interview that he kept his hands down and replays indicate he used his shoulder and not his elbow.
But he won't make any apologies for being a physical player.
"I can't change," he said. "That's one of the big reasons I made this team is to be physical. It's done and over with now. We'll see what my penalty is and move forward."
Kassian has often been referred to as a man among boys with his massive physique. While the hit appeared to be clean, the violent nature of the game means he will likely always be a target for the referees.
Playing physically and being undisciplined isn't the same thing. The problem for Kassian is that due to his reputation, those two aspects may always be considered one and the same. He's an intimidating presence on the ice and makes no apologies for his style.
And why should he?
A player with his physical attributes will always be encouraged to play rough. Kassian gains a lot not only for himself, but for his team when he's on the ice. It's never a good thing to see a player taken off the ice on a stretcher, but if Kassian passes up the opportunity to finish his check, he will hear about it when he gets to the bench.
So who is in the wrong? Is it Kassian? Are his coaches to blame? Should hockey undergo a major rule change where players receive stiffer punishment for such hits?
Kassian is just the latest in a long line of physical players caught up in an age-old debate revolving around the brutal physicality of the sport.
In a way, Kassian is just doing his job. Now Marouelli will do his and decide whether he needs to sit out more than just Canada's next game against Norway.
"Hopefully it's just that one game," said Kassian.
