Vokoun’s injury one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen
One of the first things they teach young-uns when they are learning to play the sport of ice hockey is stick responsibility. When you have that piece of wood…or graphite…in your hands, it can make for a very dangerous weapon if not dealt with properly. Even if the potential injury caused is unintentional.
Last night during the Thrashers 4-3 win over Florida, I…along with so many of you…saw what can happen if this basic responsibility lesson is not adhered to by way of the nasty accident that happened after Ilya Kovalchuk’s goal. Obviously upset from being beaten by Kovy on the breakaway, defenseman Keith Ballard sought to take his frustration out on the goalpost with his stick.
Moments after Ilya Kovalchuk's goal, Florida defenseman Keith Ballard accidentally strikes goalie Tomas Vokoun in the head with his stick (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
It never made it there…instead it found goalkeeper Tomas Vokoun’s head.
Certainly, Ballard is not the first hockey play to attempt to sacrifice a stick on the altar of the goalpost after a goal was scored or game lost…chances are good that he won’t be that last either. But in his blind anger, he did far more damage to a teammate than the equipment. Unintentional, of course…but it’s still the product of a lack of governance over one’s passions. Something we’ve all been guilty of.
I was spending the game with the guys from The Blueland Chronicle last night in the front row of section 317, right above where the incident took place. The five of us were standing, cheering…even laughing somewhat due to the way Kovalchuk’s goal was scored…as you would expect. But when we saw Vokoun hit the ice…and then lay there motionless…we, like the rest of Philips Arena, grew eerily quiet.
It was a surreal moment…and to be honest with you, it was one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever witnessed in person at a sporting event. And that includes the Braves game in old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium back in the summer of 1993 when Fred McGriff’s was welcomed to Atlanta with a fire in the press box. I was also at the Falcon’s game a decade and a half ago when quarterback Jeff George and coach June Jones had that infamous scrap on the sideline.
Last night, however, was even more bizarre to me given the circumstance and the way it happened.
As for the Panthers’ goalie, he was carted off after several minutes on the ice and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with a severe ear laceration. Fortunately, a CAT scan revealed no further damage to the 33-year old Czech and he was able to re-join the team at the airport for the flight back to south Florida.
Vokoun was carried away on a stretcher and take taken to St. Joseph's hospital where he was treated and released (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Johan Hedberg, the goalie on the opposite end of the ice, said after the game, “I just feel so sad for Vokoun and the other guy who did it…you don’t wish that on your worst enemy. I hope Tomas is going to be good”.
To be sure, the person who feels the worst about this is his teammate, Ballard…who needed a few minutes to gather himself in the locker room before he was able to continue. He finished with 20:21 TOI and was a –1…but I’m sure that and the loss to the Thrashers doesn’t come close to the regret he has to feel from the injury to his goalkeeper.
However, as I stated above, stick responsibility…and also management of one’s temper in heated situations…is a key element to success on the ice and off as well. It just took one second to lose one’s cool…and we saw the ugly result.
Thankfully, it wasn’t even more ugly than what it was.
Toys for Tots Campaign
The Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta Hawks are once again teaming up with the United States Marine Corps to make Christmas a happy time for children in need. Fans that attend games are asked to help out in this worthy and charitable cause by bringing new and unwrapped gifts as they enter games. Those who do will be given vouchers good for a pair of tickets to upcoming games
Donation centers will be outside of Philips Arena before and during the five games in the month of December as well as other locations around town. For more information…simply click here.
And Finally…
As I indicated, last night I was honored to be able to watch the game from The Blueland Chronicle Perch, located in the first row of section 317. Mortimer Peacock, Big Shooter, Razor Catch Prey and their friend Juan Valdez made the experience a fantastic one for sure. French Catalogues was unable to attend, unfortunately.
Of course, as with anytime the Rawhide/TBC consortium gathers for an event, security and the local police department were given fair and advanced warning…seeing as “bizarre” things just seem to happen when we are together.
I’m not sayin’…I’m just sayin’….
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131 comments Add your comment
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
9:06 am
Like I said GaVa, very few fans are truly happy with their GM’s performance. Even of the GM is doing a good job, most fans don’t like them!
Braves get Billy Wagner!? Pretty bold move for a team that does not draw well at the gate.
Dwayne
December 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
Boobie Cox will mis-manage him too.
Spud Webb
December 2nd, 2009
10:03 am
Interesting comments. I’m guessing most on this blog have never lost their temper or “cool”?? Ballard, an all around great guy, solid player, and a competitor lost his cool, it happens. He’s human, it was a mistake, he’ll take his suspension (if it’s coming) without a word, I’m sure. Stupid, sure, but lets not throw stones when we live in glass houses. Highly competitive PEOPLE playing a highly competitive game, not robots. And I’m sure NOBODY feels worse than Ballard.
Unfortunate situation.
Anyone remember ronny hextall? Used to smash his stick all the time. He was NUTS…
Bob
December 2nd, 2009
10:32 am
Yeah, but Hextall was smashing those sticks against the backs of the knees of opposing forwards.
“I think we’ve gotten by with some spectacular saves from our goalies and a whole lot of luck on top of it. The idea that the team has managed to limit many of the shots to low-risk areas is wrong. They are still playing with fire as it were and IMO are more apt than not to eventually start getting burnt really bad.”
I think Sara is 100% spot on here. This club has had a lot of luck to be where they are this year. That worm is bound to turn, they need to cut the shots against down or it will bite them. Those things even out over the long haul of an NHL season.
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
10:43 am
Hextall was a Flyer, so he inherited the Flyer thug mentality.
He should have been suspended for a year for the chop he did on Kent Nillson in the Stanley Cup Finals. He’s a bigger coward than Bobby Clarke.
Now you are opening up my pure hate for the Philly Flyers.
Dwayne
December 2nd, 2009
10:56 am
Hurting you own player by accident and stupidity does not warrant a suspension. Are we going to start handing out fines and suspensions every time a player breaks his stick on purpose? Holyfield does ok with a piece of a ear missing, I’m sure Vokoun will be fine.
Spud Webb
December 2nd, 2009
11:05 am
WBF, classic!!!! Didn’t mean to get you rilled up!!! ahhahaha, I share the same hate!!!
Hexie did hit the back of legs and whatever he could, but he would also SMASH the sh&T out of his stick on the posts.
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
You know Spud, I always thought Hextall and Clarke were 2 guys that needed sound whippings. At least Hexy would drop the gloves; Clarke never did and he was the dirtiest player of his era. He once speared Rod Seiling so bad I thought the guy was going to die. He didn’t and Clarke got off without the beating he deserved.
I have no problem being a tough guy on the ice. But if you do not stand up for yourself and let others do your fighting then you are a coward. I felt that way as a player and feel the same as a fan.
And remember, Philly had some clean players during the Broad Street Bully days. Reggie Leach and Rick McLeish were 2 guys I’d take on my team anytime. The REAL MVP of those Philly teams was Bernie Parent. Without Bernie, there would be NO Stanley Cups in Philly.
GaVaHokie
December 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
Wow, Alan Muir actually giving the Thrashers some props… his “Steal of the Year”.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/allan_muir/11/27/kiprusoff.ncaa.thrashers/index.html
Sara
December 2nd, 2009
12:19 pm
There is something immensely satisfying in seeing the words “Burke fleeced by Waddell” in print.
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
GaVa-I can’t wait for the reaction from some on your link.
Gotta kick out of Ex being labeled “sparsely-talented”.
DWTOO
December 2nd, 2009
12:37 pm
Remember WBF – Only the Lord saves more than Bernie Parent. Long time Flyer fan, but, that’s my home and I have to stick up for the team. But, I do agree about Bobby Clarke. He was a cheap shot who hid behind the likes of Dave Shultz, et al. Gald you recognized that the Flyers had some true players in Rick M and Reggie L.
Spud Webb
December 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Yea, I saw that yesterday from Muir. We’re used to seeing fleeced, just not in a good way!!
He’s got some EXCELLENT points in regards to signing Kubina & it worries me. If I remember correctly he says signing Kovy & Max (as a lot of folks on here want to happen) Kubs would have to take a pay CUT…to something like 3.5 mill a season. I don’t know if thats very likely. Hard to take a pay cut especially when Hainsey is making 5 (??) a season and Kubina is better. I like Hainsey, but those are the realities. SUCKS…
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
DWTOO-Flyers have had some excellent players over the years.
Sabres fan in the 70’s, Buffalo had six 30-goal scorers (including Rick Dudley) the year they lost in the finals to Philly. Bernie was the difference.
Gary Dornhofer was my favorite Flyer back then, very underrated.
Rawhide
December 2nd, 2009
1:16 pm
DWTOO - Hey, is the lovely Mrs. DWTOO back from South Africa yet??? Please give her my best regards!
KovyRules
December 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm
Spud, regarding your Ballard “heat of the moment” comments, I had nothing but sympathy for Ballard while I was at the game. However, upon seeing the replay where he swings his stick A SECOND TIME to break it after hitting Vokoun, then skulks off the ice rather than staying by Vokoun’s side, I lost a lot of sympathy and respect for him. Heat of the moment led to the first stick swing. Immaturity and childishness led to the second swing and the disappearance act. Not suspendable acts, but a serious lack of character.
But I agree with you and anyone slamming the Broad Street Bullies!! McLeish was an amazing talent, but he’d have been more fun to watch on a team that wasn’t otherwise mugging the opposition.
TableHockey
December 2nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Fantasy hockey – but ESPN giving the Thrasher Defense a nice nod: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/hockey/fhl/story?page=thinblueline091202
Alan R.
December 2nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Rangers claimed Christensen off waivers.
Suckers.
TableHockey
December 2nd, 2009
1:42 pm
Alan R – just saw that. They in turn waived Valiquette. Is that an upgrade??
Alan R.
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 pm
I don’t know. Pick up an underperforming forward while waiving an underperforming goalie (and calling up another goalie from the AHL) doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade to me. It’s a lateral move, if anything.
TableHockey
December 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Just rumors but on twitter #NHLSourcesSay is reporting a Kovy deal may happen late next week. Would make for a great early Christmas present.
Bob
December 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm
“There is something immensely satisfying in seeing the words “Burke fleeced by Waddell” in print.”
The pro for pro trade has probably been Waddell’s only strong point over the years (the Savard trade comes to mind, he did as good as he could with the Heatley debacle, etc.), but I think Dudley has been the one with the most effect on the improved personnel moves. The quicker they move Waddell upstairs and give Dudley the reins in full, the better.
DWTOO
December 2nd, 2009
2:32 pm
Rawhide – The lovely Mrs. returns in two weeks. She’s had a very interesting time, but, we’ll all be glad to have her home. I visited last month and had an amazing safari in Kruger National Park. Be sure to attend the “Take Your Clothes Off For Beer” tailgate which will be welcome back party also.
Hockey Biltong – your native land has a true treasure in Kruger Park. However, I did not get to sample the Biltong.
Nikita
December 2nd, 2009
2:37 pm
I’m not sure what’s wrong with the Rangers, but they’re doing very, very poorly. And I have been a casual fan for about a decade, ever since they picked up my two favorite ex-Pens. (Both of whom now play outside the NHL because they’re old.) Now I had intended to make them my primary in-person team, since I have to choose between Sidney Crotchby’s Goon Squad, the Broad Street B%$#@s, the Devils (who are fine, but I don’t go to Jersey any more than I have to), and the Detroit Lions of Long Island. I expected to see them limp along as they usually do, playing well but not well enough to go beyond the first round of the playoffs. But they’re an absolute cataclysm right now and Christensen is not a good acquisition for them. They play a pretty physical game, which he can’t participate in, and they hired him to score, which he probably won’t.
…wonder how long the drive is to Buffalo.
Yes, Waddell sucked at some point, but when was the Coburn trade? Give it a rest! He’s doing ok at the moment, and I hope he continues to make similarly bright personnel decisions. I couldn’t be much more thrilled with them at the moment. Well, I could, but only with a Kovy signing.
NASCAR Dave
December 2nd, 2009
2:37 pm
Funny how all of you like to make fun of CHRISTENSEN this year, but last year when I was the one pointing out all of his flaws to you guys, you always defended him… Funny how the tide turns…
NASCAR Dave
December 2nd, 2009
2:39 pm
And I agree with BOB, our recent successful transactions are due to DUDLEY, not WADDELL…
Nikita
December 2nd, 2009
2:40 pm
Serial posting to say that the Vokoun thing was bizarre. I was really concerned when he stayed down for, what, 9 minutes? It was a lllllloooooonnnnnggggg time.
Also, I’m watching the Thrash off Centre Ice these days, so I had a marathon where I just watched the last four games. For my money the tightest game was Panthers/Atlanta. It was pretty well played on both sides, and felt like it could go either way at any time.
And re: Exelby…as much as I try not to say I told you so…I TOLD YOU SO. Suckers. Reminds me, what the hell happened in the Toronto/Montreal game? Were the Habs high or heavily injured? That was humiliating.
Nikita
December 2nd, 2009
2:43 pm
I don’t recall defending Christensen, other than when he was coming off his injury. Fact is, the kid was always both intense and flukey. he has a great shot, but the stars have to be aligned just right for him to use it.
Alan R.
December 2nd, 2009
2:54 pm
I liked Christensen at first. Then I saw how lousy he played. I’m surprised Waddell managed to flip him for more than a cheeseburger happy meal (aka “future considerations”).
KovyRules
December 2nd, 2009
3:08 pm
Nikita, Habs are heavily injured, with multiple Hamilton Bulldog call ups and Gionta, Gill and Markov out. But even at full strength they are the Smurf line and little else. They still only have 4 wins in regulation this year. Only Carolina has fewer. Ha!!!
Spud Webb
December 2nd, 2009
3:37 pm
Nikita with the line of the day…”the Detroit Lions of Long Island” ahahhahahhahahaha.
Nikita, depending on construction and speed, about 15 hours. The food is great up there!!!!!!!!
Sara
December 2nd, 2009
4:20 pm
Dudley’s voice is one more in the room – granted likely the best voice in the room – but one more voice all the same. Waddell’s still the GM and he still has his own input and makes all decisions not pre-empted by ownership (which to give them credit, Gearon has basically indicated they’ve decided to shut up and let the hockey guys run the hockey team). You can try to swear six ways to Sunday that this improved team is not Waddell’s doing but unless you can definitively prove otherwise (and you can’t), as long as the letterhead says Don Waddell Executive VP and General Manager he gets the credit and the accolades.
And believe me, if this season ends like it’s begun I will be in here with all kinds of “I told you so”s.
NASCAR Dave
December 2nd, 2009
4:57 pm
Haha, SARA, I like you. You make me laugh. You are so quick to defend ole DONNIE boy. Are you related to him or something???
Brendan
December 2nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Spud Webb, I think it’s possible to trade Hainsey. To my knowledge, he doesn’t have a no trade clause. If Kubina made his interest to remain with the team KNOWN, that is something could be worked out at the Draft, such that Kubina re-signs before the July 1, 2010 FRENZY and Hainsey gets shipped off to, potentially, a team of his choosing. I do think Don Waddell/Rick Dudley would make attempts to place Hainsey someplace that he desired. And not say, Edmonton. Perhaps the Anaheim Ducks would have some interest during the offseason? Or some other Western Conference team.
Spud Webb, if Hainsey were traded for a draft pick, what are your thoughts on that? Hypothetically, of course. Are you thinking that the Thrashers Organization could get some form of a 1st rounder? Or a high-end second rounder? Or are you, maybe, thinking that Waddell could try to grab some other team’s lesser salaried D-man in the exchange? Hainsey has 3-years left on his deal, after this season.
Brendan
December 2nd, 2009
6:09 pm
My thoughts on Christensen are that he has value in the shootouts. But is that really even worth giving him the 6 minutes, or so, of ice time? I bet some GM will think so. In fact, it was the Rangers GM. I think Waddell, whom I am quick to critize where I feel it is warranted, made a tremendous deal in moving Christensen for prospect Eric O’Dell. I cannot rightly recall off the top of my head, but I want to say O’Dell went something like 38th overall, a relatively HIGH-END second round draft pick, in 2008. There was a time when I thought, perhaps, Waddell might select him or Nicolas DesChamps at pick #29 in the 2008 draft. Waddell elected to select Daultan Leveille. And we’ll just have to wait on the Michigan State prospect. Nobody should be drawing any definitive conclusions about either O’Dell or Leveille at this point. I’m glad we have both of them. It’s, “as if” we didn’t really lose that 2nd round pick to the St. Louis Blues, in 2008, as part of the 2007 Keith Tkachuk trade deadline move.
Brian Burke has a “concept” for what he wants to do with the Leafs. His stated philosophy is that the Top Six forwards are to be highly skilled players, along with the Top Four defenders. The remaining skaters are to do, in his words, “the plumbers’ work.” In Burkie’s view of things, Pavel Kubina, 32 years old, didn’t fit into his mold/vision, for the future. I’m grateful that he and Waddell are pals, such that Brian would flip Kubina to Waddell, instead of another GM, in the final year of his contract. I’d love it if Waddell had more friendly GM’s, sympathetic to his situation in Atlanta, who are able to toss him a bone, from time to time.
Remember when Waddell helped out the St. Louis Blues? He did them a solid by trading Tkachuk’s exclusive rights back to them, a week before the frenzy, so that the Blues wouldn’t have to pay FREE MARKET pricing on the guy. I’m waiting on the Blues to return the favor, at some point. There have just got to be other GM’s who will, at some point, help Waddell out. Generally speaking, I think Waddell is well liked by his GM fraternity brothers. I’m sure NONE OF THEM would want the Atlanta gig. And that, if it didn’t hurt them any, they’d be willing to part with some higher-salaried player in the final year or years of his contract, if they were looking to shed payroll. If these types of situations can benefit the Thrashers, I applaud Waddell for pursuing them, when and where it MAKES SENSE to do so. I give credit to Waddell where I think he deserves it. I criticize him, likewise.
Dwayne
December 2nd, 2009
6:46 pm
Atlanta’s turn around started with JA telling Donnie to get Pevs, hiring of Dudley(give credit to Don and owners?) and Kovy telling them Get me some players or I will bolt!!!” So, I say Donnie is still responsible for all the bad years the Thrashers and their fans have endured. He is the worst GM in sports since Matt Millen was canned…
waffleboy
December 2nd, 2009
7:09 pm
NASCAR Dave, I said in another post that Dudley was the best pick-up of the off-season for the Thrashers, but how can you say, unequivocally, that Dudley is responsible for all of the good deals made since he got here? It’s that kind of hyperbole that means no one on this blog will take you seriously.
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
9:21 pm
You know Brendan, nobody bashed the Leafs more on this blog than I have over the past month or so. But after watching the Leafs Monday and Tuesday, I have to say I admire their determination. They outplayed Buffalo and lost because of Ryan Miller. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they came right back the next night and shut out the Habs with their 3rd goalie (JOEY!) finishing up the last 2 periods. Combined, they played hard for 6 periods.
The Leafs may not have alotta talent, but they are staring to buy into Ron Wilson’s system. I don’t like the Leafs because of all the BS that comes with them. But I respect their hard work and determination. I like teams that work.
World Be Free
December 2nd, 2009
9:24 pm
I also thought the Kubina deal was good for Atlanta from a player perspective. For Toronto, it gave the Leafs some cap relief to bring in the new d-men they signed during free agency. So in a sense, it was a good deal for Toronto from a non-player perspective.
Tom
December 2nd, 2009
10:11 pm
It is getting weird out there, all this love for the Thrashers in the hockey media. Did Custace slide them all some drugs, or did the aliens from last year decide to really freak out the hockey world and take over their media.
Whatever it is, I like it.
Here is another article from the Hockey News Top 10 Whats Up With That – We got the top 2 places.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/29777-THNcom-Top-10-What-up-with-thats.html
World Be Free
December 3rd, 2009
7:48 am
Avs almost did the Thrashers a favor last night, scoring twice in the last minute to send their game with Florida to OT. FLA won in a shootout, so they get the 2 points. Too bad-Avs will be good!
Does all this Thrasher love mean we will have a good crowd tonight? Where are you sitting Bill?
Dwayne
December 3rd, 2009
9:21 am
Another small crowd projected for tonight…unless the few thousand from the Hawks game spent the night at the Bulb last night.
World Be Free
December 3rd, 2009
9:37 am
Dwayne-where did you hear that?
Bob
December 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
“And believe me, if this season ends like it’s begun I will be in here with all kinds of “I told you so”s.”
Tell us what? That you knew all along that it was Waddell’s plan to completely screw things up for 9 years in a row and completely alienate the fan base leading to empty house night after night, and then go hire a real pro like Dudley to finally have some success in the 10th year? Really? No, really?
Sara, you’re looking like a goof with that noise. Almost as goofy as you trying to say that Brian Burke isn’t the best GM in the game, because two months into his tenure of taking over the cluster Leafs club, they’re not at the top of the league.
So, Don is ok because 10 years he finally some success after hiring Dudley (connect the dots there, Nostradamus) and Burke is a failure because two months in after taking control of a complete mess, he’s not at the bottom of the league?
Those are some mighty thick blinders you got on there, girl.
GaVaHokie
December 3rd, 2009
10:24 am
Bob… the decisions on guys like Peverley and Kane (draft) were made way before Dudley was part of the organization.
Dudley is a prospects guy, brought in to help head up our scouting department… he would have had nothing to do with guys like Kubina, Antropov and Afinogenov.
What exactly are we giving Dudley credit for? Really… no, really?
GaVaHokie
December 3rd, 2009
10:25 am
Dwayne and WBF… Islanders generally bring in a decent crowd. Might feel like an away game tonight though.
World Be Free
December 3rd, 2009
10:28 am
GaVa-good thought, I only care that there’s fannies in the seats!
Spud Webb
December 3rd, 2009
10:38 am
Brendon, sorry this took so long. I’m not against trading Hainsey, though I am a fan of his. He’s a product of a desperate team needing to make some kind of splash, hence the 5M a season. Not his fault, right place at the right time. Good for him. That said, I am VERY interested to see what we could get for him at the draft???? You and a few others here are more knowledgable than I. If I had to guess, I say no, we couldn’t get a number 1 for him. The reason I say that is this, with the cap and the possibability of it going down, number 1 picks are more and more valuable. It’s unfortunate that it appears (key word) that just as we are settling as a team, we’re going to have to let one of our top 2 dmen go next season, UGH. Nature of the beast at this point. Boston with a h&ll of a deal getting 2 number ones for Kessell. I’m sure thought that wasn’t what they had in mind when the drafted him!!!
Dwayne
December 3rd, 2009
11:33 am
I did a poll in 14 different news outlets, all in Canada.
Actually, based on the Hawks attendance last nite, it being a week night, bad weather..might not be much of a crowd. On the other hand, if the i-lan-duhs have a large crowd and it feels like an away game. Thrashers avenge that horrible game they played in new york.
World Be Free
December 3rd, 2009
11:34 am
Spud-no idea what Toronto ever made that deal. Kessel takes alotta shots and rarely passes. I just don’t understand giving up so much of your future for a one dimensional player.