February 3, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Cooke (24) lines up for a face off against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

I am as upset about the injury as anyone, but I can’t say I disagree with the NHL ruling.  It was an unforturnate accident from a player finishing his check that went disastrously  wrong.  I might be in the minority with that opinion, but if the same thing happened to Chris Neil or Zack Smith as a result of doing his job, and the result was any different, I would be crying foul.

Its OKto be protective of your favorite players and its OK to be angry at Cooke for the play, but it would be hypocritical to demand an eye for an eye.

Remember Marian Hossa on Bryan Berard?  Leafs fans wanted Hossa hung by his gonads.  Ottawa fans defended him to the end.  Now the shoe is on the other foot so to speak.  Admittedly, Hossa didn’t have Cooke’s track record, but I don’t see any intent or malfeasance in the play beyond what you would expect a grinder to do during the course of a game.

One year ago yesterday, on November 12, 2010, the hockey world and that of the Ottawa Senators was rocked by the news that Daron Richardson, daughter of Ottawa Senators assistant coach and former player Luke Richardson, had taken her own life.  The outgoing, likeable 14 year old’s death came as a complete shock to family and friends and created an outpouring of support and love from the entire community.

Daron’s family and friends, in cooperation with The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health created the “Do It For Daron” program, supporting and initiatives to promote awareness for youth mental health issues.  To date, through the hard work and dedication of Daron’s friends and family, the “D.I.F.D” program has raised over $1 Million through donations and fundraising.

Tonight, the CBC program Battle of The Blades is down to the final 3 pairings.  Tonight, the finalists will skate their last program of the season and then viewer votes will determine who will win the competition.

Why are the two seemingly separate items related?

Former NHL player (and Senators draft pick) Bryan Berard and his partner, Canadian Olympian Marie-France Dubreuil are skating for D.I.F.D, and if they win the competition, they have chosen this program to be the recipient of the $100,000 charitable donation prize.

Bryan Berard and Marie-France Dubreuil Pose with D.I.F.D supporters (photo source: doitfordaron.com)

Bryan and Marie-France sent out a letter (more…)