Monday, November 7, 2011

Huberdeau, Murphy Out: Hockey Canada Has To Be Concerned

On Saturday we spoke to Kitchener Rangers colour man Mike Farwell briefly about the hit Rangers defenceman Ryan Murphy took courtesy of Niagra's Tom Khunackl.



Farwell told us that some were comparing it to the hit on Ben Fanelli injury from 2009.



So what should Khunackl receive as a suspension? 10? 15? Liambas had the book thrown at him getting the rest of the season, however Fanelli ended up in the hospital. Also Khunackl is a more then a point per game player. While the hit isn't similar I likened the situation to Patrice Cormier from 2 years ago. Cormier was just acquired by Rouyn-Noranda when he delivered a vicious hit to Quebec's Mikael Tam. His star player status didn't help him as he was given the rest of the season and playoffs. Cormier was playing in his 2nd game with the Huskies who picked him up during the World Junior Championship. Khunackl was suiting up for just the second time for the Ice Dogs.

As if Hockey Canada head scout Kevin Prendergast wasn't concerned already with a few unexpected permanent residents in the NHL this year, now comes word that one of his top line forwards is banged up as well. Station Nation has some good info on Jonathan Huberdeau's ailment. The Florida Panther 3rd overall draft pick from June was scoring 2.35 points per game since rejoining the Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs. He would be a first line player and key contributor to Canada's power play along with Murphy.

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