Ice Skating Oddities Unpacks the Unconventional Suspension of 27-Year-Old NHL Player

In the fast and furious world of NHL penalties, a recent one-game suspension of Andrew Mangiapane had resulted in an uproar of controversy. The Calgary Flames forward has been subjected to a cross-check during a recent game against Seattle Kraken.

The incident has further raised concerns about the player safety of the NHL league and the measures taken against such actions. Learning about the details of the incident will leave you perplexed about the wild world of professional hockey.

The cross-check incident gave rise to the evaluation of Mangiapane’s suspension

The Mangiapane conundrum took place just 8:45 into the first period when the NHL player delivered a cross-check to the back of the neck of Kraken forward, Jared McCann. As a result of the blow, in an attempt to block the shot, McCann had fallen to the ice, resulting in the puck stuck underneath him. 

Seeing the video, what can be comprehended as a reckless move, it was Mangiapane who drove his tick into the opponent’s neck propelling McCann’s face to hit the ice. Owing to the severity of the move, it was followed by a five-minute minor cross-checking that in turn led to a penalty statement for Mangiapane. 

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As reported by Fox 13 Seattle, in a video that announced Mangiapane’s suspension, the NHL Department of Player Safety commented, “It is important to note that we accept Mangiapane’s contention that he does not intend to drive McCann’s head into the ice on this play.” The video further intended that it was an unintentional move by Mangiapane and he did not intend to extend his bodyweight on McCann.

Speculation about the suspension decision adding to the season streak 

Even after scoring four goals and three assists in 11 games this season, Mangiapane has sparked a controversy among NHL experts and fans. From the video, notes can be drawn that Mangiapane’s suspension has been influenced by the 51 minutes the player has missed during the game.

The fact that McCann suffered the incident without major injuries during the cross-check resulted in the 27-year-old player’s suspension for a short period. Even though for a brief span, Mangiapane’s suspension added to the six other suspensions that the NHL witnessed this season. For imposing an illegal check to the head of Bradon Tanev, the Karaken forward, Brett Howden, the Vegas Golden Knights forward received a two-game suspension.  

Out of the six suspensions of this season, two have involved members of the Calgary Flames raising questions about the NHL team’s player conduct and discipline. Besides, the lack of scrutiny and exposure to physical attacks on the ice has also left the officials perplexed.

Even though the NHL Department of Player Safety has been conducting investigations concerning Mangiapane’s intent behind the cross-check, the decision still leaves room for much speculation. While the season progresses at its own pace, these incidents obstruct the league’s commitment to delivering a fair play environment and maintaining the safety of the players.

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