MADISON, Wisc. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association today (Jan. 26) endorsed the serious tone taken by the University of Denver and acknowledgement of an issue of unsportsmanlike conduct involving head coach George Gwozdecky in a game on January 24 against the University of North Dakota.
“The Association is pleased the University of Denver echoes the WCHA’s concerns regarding unsportsmanlike conduct,” said Bruce M. McLeod, WCHA Commissioner. “We appreciate the rapid response the University took in addressing the issue that occurred on January 24 and now consider this matter closed.”
On it’s official web site, denverpioneers.com, the University of Denver issued the following statement earlier today:
Here is the Whistlers take on the decision.
What a fricken joke.
ReplyDeleteYeah it's a joke.
ReplyDeleteAs much as watching the incident get blown way out of proportion is entertaining, I don't think it's the elephant it's being made out to be.
ReplyDeleteThe Denver bench had been on the refs all night. Any faceoff in their defensive end they made a point of questioning something, whether it be at their bench or a player going up to a ref. Apparently something came from the bench that Anderson didn't like...Anderson was able to make the call from the opposite corner behind the Denver net, so whatever was said probably warranted whatever call he made. Again this is how I percieved it playing out...go back and watch it, see if you agree. The Denver Captain comes over to Anderson who is in front of the penalty box, obviously to protest and probably to get Anderson to the bench so George can get his two cents in. I'm assuming Anderson tells the player, 'no chance I'm justifying that by going over there', player goes back to the bench and tells George who then jumps on the ice in an attempt to get the attention of a ref...he fails, and pleads his case with a linesman, Anderson goes over to the linesman and pulls him away. I agree with Anderson not justifying it by going over to him, let him walk across the ice in a failed attempt to get attention.
Could it have been handled or called differently...yes. Was it entertaining...absolutely. I don't fault Anderson, the DU coaches wanted to have the last word after Anderson had apparently already tossed him, in which case there's no point in dealing with him.
Either way, if he gets suspended, or told to be nice, it's going to have zero effect on how the remainder of UND's season plays out.
The DU coaching staff is going to have play in front of Anderson and Campion (as if Campion does anything) again. Personally, I probably agree with some of your stance on WCHA officials. But, both teams have to play in front of them, and I think they make equally bad calls in both directions. Next time DU wants to have a word with an official, I'm guessing it may be difficult to find a sympathetic ear.