how about i smack you in the face and see if you like it, eh?

Originally posted earlier this week in HLOG


As the former Bruins now General hockey girl around hlog, and the southern hemisphere’s and one of hockey’s biggest Bergeron fans I feel it is my job, duty, neigh OBLIGATION to give my thoughts and all that on the Bergeron hit.

Waking up on a Sunday morning to your best friend texting you to say Bergeron’s been hit from behind and had been taken from the game unconscious is one of the worst things. It sucks in so many ways that are completely… Shit. Can I say that here, Jordi? Maybe not. I’ll keep my language in check.

First things first.

I do not believe Randy Jones to be a dirty player.

I do not believe the HIT to be exceptionally dirty in the style of Jesse Boulrice and Steve Downie, those other two fine examples of what Philly (who I LIKED until they traded JONI (who I liked for a reason I have never understood) is currently producing.

I do believe it was a dirty hit, I do believe it should be punished even if only to educate players about making a the RIGHT decision in the second they have to pull out of such hits. Andy Ference ( a foutain of wisdom it seems in this situation) raised a good point on the Bergeron hit after the game.

In the position he was in Bergeron was not a direct scoring threat instead attempting to clear the puck. Instead with his back turned to Randy Jones as he moved to snow plow stop and clear the puck back up the boards, he was vulnerable. Every coach expects their players to follow through on their checks, it’s part of their job and something everyone understands. BUT there comes a time in a game, in some circumstances when a player knows the person they are tracking, intending to check is vulnerable and to follow through on their check could result in a serious injury to the opposition.

While this understanding and the follow through come in split seconds, hockey players are decision makers, and the game they play relies on this quick thinking all the time. Players need to remember, as most do though, that following through is not worth it in these situations where such a high risk of injury exists and the seriousness of the injury that may eventuate, is such. (OH wow. That Really does sound law studenty.)

I’m just thankful however after everything, that it only (and it is so rare when we can say something is ONLY) a concussion and a broken nose. Seeing the video, hearing what had happened, that he’d been unconscious for 15 minutes, that they’d had to cut his jersey and gear off, tape his hands and legs together to stop them flopping was truly terrifying not just for me as a Bergeron fan, but I believe for anyone who loves the game of hockey and good young talent.

And Bergeron is good young talent. There are only two players Younger than Bergeron with more points. Their names.

Crosby. Ovechkin. The kid is good.

And I pray, He will continue to be good.

I could continue to type here and explain why I’m a Bergeron fan, (the factual reasons or the true pathetic reason involving a funny limited English interview at youngstars), how much he gives to the community (his parents were in town to see the game and go to a dinner Tuesday night where he was being honoured as the Childrens Hospital of Boston’s Champion (an award given to the Boston area athlete who has given the most back to the community and it’s children).

All in All. He’s a class act for a guy who’s just gone 22.

Get Better Soon Bergy.