Fines, Fights and Apologies

The Western Hockey League has turned into your favorite soap opera lately, or the WWE take your pick.

This statement came from the league Wednesday:

CALGARY, AB - The Western Hockey League announced today that a complete review of the game between the Kootenay Ice and Regina Pats on Friday, November 3, 2006 in Regina has been completed.The WHL Office has determined that the performance of the referee was below the expected standard of officiating in the League. As a result, the League will be disciplining the referee in an appropriate manner.As well, the WHL Office has determined that the actions of Regina Pats management following the game was not acceptable. As a result, the Regina Pats Hockey Club has been fined $1,500.00.

So how do you feel if your referee Adam Byblow?? This was in regards to Friday's game in Regina in which 27 powerplays were awarded including 7 in a row to Kootenay in the third and overtime as the Ice came back win 4-3.

After the Ice scored the OT winner (with 3 seconds left in overtime) Pats Head Coach Curtis Hunt and Head Trainer Greg Mayer were both issued game misconducts for their actions. Pats' General Manager Brent Parker and Owner/Governor Russ Parker confronted referee Byblow in the referee's room following the game.

Here's an idea. How 'bout take all the fine $$$ from WHL referee incidents and put it into an officials development fund? Parker could fund the entire program on his own most seasons!

Former Bronco assistant coach and tough guy Andy Milne was up to his old antics . . . sort off. Milne, who is now an assistant coach in Kamloops with the Blazers was involved in a 9-2 lopsided tilt over the visiting Red Deer Rebels last night. You can bet with the score out of reach that Rebels Head Coach and G.M. Brent Sutter wouldn't just ride calmly into the sunset.

After a fight-filled third period and the Blazers' 8th goal of the game, another fight would ensue, this of the verbal variety between Milne and Sutter. Lots of finger pointing and yelling not much else though. Those that have access to the WHL Webcast archives can check it out. It's about 2:17 into the webcast.

Later today I'll post a game preview between the Broncos and 'Tips who face-off tomorrow night at 7:30pm from the Civic Center and I'll share my first run in I had with Silvertips Head Coach Kevin Constantine from three years ago -he was at his big- leaguing best that night! It's off to do the morning show . . . later all,

Jon