A 20 game suspension for Steve Downie.

The NHL has made it's decision in the Steve Downie case. The player will be suspended for a total of 20 games for hitting Dean McAmmond to the head, a big suspension in comparison to the average suspension given in the NHL.

The nature of the hit and the aggression factor implied into it has forced the NHL to be severe. But is it enough to prevent another blatent attack? The whole process starts with the respect the players gives to their peers. The way things are going in hockey, the players have little to no respect towards their opponents. This lack of respect in the heat of the moment allows some to go over the reasonnable common sense barrier.

Let's hope that some understood the message given by the NHL. I would like to see the league increase their average suspension penalties AND institute firmer fine penalties. If the league can also hit the players in their pockets, maybe some will think twice before hacking at someone's head or avoid going for the knee-on-knee hit.