Wow!

[Bronx33]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hocke...pensions_x.htm


Posted 2/25/2005 12:48 PM Updated 2/25/2005 7:01 PM


Four UHL players suspended after melee
DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — A United Hockey League player was kicked out of the league permanently on Friday and three others were suspended after a fight-filled game in which one player grabbed a coach on the opposing bench.

Chad Wagner of the Danbury Trashers was banned from the league, and defenseman Dave MacIsaac was suspended for the rest of the season and the playoffs. Forward Gerry Hickey was suspended for 10 games, and forward Jon Mirasty for five games. Trashers coach Todd Stirling, the son of New York Islanders coach Steve Stirling, will sit out three games.

During the first period of Wednesday's game with the Adirondack Frostbite in Danbury, Wagner was being escorted to the penalty box but broke free and skated toward the Adirondack bench, where officials said he grabbed coach Marc Potvin.

Hickey and Mirasty left the penalty box and skated toward the Adirondack bench, officials said.

MacIsaac was suspended for punching an Adirondack player, breaking his nose, officials said.

"The actions of Mr. Wagner and Mr. MacIsaac are unacceptable," said Richard Brosal, UHL president and chief executive officer. "The safety and welfare of our players is primary. I will not allow that to be compromised."

This was the second major fight involving the Trashers this season.

Team owner James Galante was charged with assault after allegedly punching linesman James Harper after a game in December.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.