IceDogs' Captain Suspended For High-Speed Hit

The OHL announced earlier today that Kevin He has been suspended pending review likely due to a hit thrown in the game against Erie on Friday. The suspension means He will not be present for the rematch between the two teams this afternoon.

While the OHL has not specified why He has been suspended a hit thrown in the first period of the game has the potential to be the culprit.

On the play in question, He picked up a puck in the corner and skated behind the net. Encountering pressure he chipped the puck up the wall and took off after it.

He raced towards the puck while Erie Otters' defender Alexis Daviault pinched down the wall. The two collided with Daviault reaching for the puck while He delivered an explosive hit that sent Daviault to the ice.

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There was no call on the play and immediately after the hit, the IceDogs raced down the ice nearly converting on a three-on-one rush. The lack of a penalty is one of the reasons the suspension has been viewed as controversial by certain individuals.

While some fans may not like it, there is reasonable justification for a suspension on this play. Firstly, the Winnipeg Jets' prospect leaves his feet at the point of contact resulting in his shoulder striking the chest and head of Daviault.

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Additionally, He follows through with his hands extending upwards continuing the contact with Daviault's head.

The combination of speed, point of contact and He leaving his feet explain why the league may have decided this was a suspendable hit.

Due to the suspension, He will definitely miss this afternoon's contest and could miss more games depending on the length of the suspension.

Next weekend, Niagara plays Barrie on Saturday. The lack of their captain and second-highest scorer would put Niagara into an awkward position for a game with huge implications for the standings.