Man my family is good friends with him, he's a great guy bt his injury was his own fault. He turned to the boards while someone was going to hit him. nothing you can do, if anything a Major Charging call but that's it
for anyone who doesnt know. ben is back playing for the rangers and in the rangers 2nd exhibition game fanelli got his first goal since this hit. way to go ben soooo happy ur back and hope this was just a bump in the road
Mike Liambas plays for the Cincinnati Cyclones my home town team i had the pleasure of skating with him on the ice. He is probably thee nicest guy in the world. I dont think we should be quick to judge him. My prayers and heart goes out to the Fanelli family but i dont think we should jump down the guys throat. He took about 4 pictures with us and talked with us, he even skated up to my friend and thanked her for buying his first cyclones game worn jersey this hit doesnt define his character.
@hollisterhottie325 That's about in line with what I've heard about Liambas. Great guy after the final buzzer sounds, but arguably a head case while the game's going on.
@cubfan531 and i totally and completely understand that thought! but i just know that i haven't seen any goonish things out of him at least in my mind yet for the Cyclones. So im going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The hit could have honestly been alot worse he was just skating fast and hard he never left his feet it was just a bad angle in my mind. I still feel horribly that it ended the way it did and my heart goes to to Fanelli family but for now im going to believe in number 76
@hollisterhottie325 I want him to get it all straightened out, I really do. Even if his career leads him to simply being a minor league enforcer, it's much better than most people's lives.
the hit was charging, and boarding, and showed a complete lack of respect for hockey, and his opponent. Liambas should be ashamed, but he probably is not.
@BugsMeaney Considering he was thrown out of the next league he went to within a week or two for putting another victim in ICU with yet another cheap shot, I'd say he didn't learn a thing. Prior to Fanelli, there were several other cheap shot attacks on others such as Taveres that were very similar to this cheap shot (it's on Youtube). He's a piece of garbage that was only in the league as an over-ager for one reason... take out the other team's skill players with cheap shots.
dude i was the locker room manager for the otters for 6 years and i have never met a nicer compassionate person then Limbo he was a huge kid he had skill but more skill as an enforcer this hit was clean very clean i even heard the ohl commisioner say it was after his suspension was passed through the only reason he was suspended was because it was so hard the kid spun around and hit his head so dont go blabbing your math about someone you dont even know and jealous of his skill
@Wiiskate4Life LOL I was a locker room manager so it's a clean hit. Well that changes everything! That has to be the most ridiculous attempt at changing reality I've ever seen, and I've seen Bruin fans trying to defend Chara for almost an entire year now. It's ok to not understand the game, just don't come in on those of us who do understand it and try telling us we're wrong because you claimed to have washed the kid's dirty underwear after a game.
@RigaFraction im not saying that being a manager changes it to being c clean hit when it was already a clean hit just dont go balbbing your mouth about people you dont know if u watch closley its all shoulder calm down man its people like you who live and thrive off youtube fights so im not getting in one
Liambas didnt elbow him to the head it was shoulder to shoulder Fanelli's head was down and he wasnt ready for it so he got lit up and his head hit the boards thats what made his skull fracture if his skull didnt fracture they wouldnt of suspended him
@Wiiskate4Life You're wrong, they don't throw goons out of leagues for 'clean hits'. It was charging and it was to the head, end of story. He had a long track record of dirty hits (Taveres for one) again end of that story. You came by to insult me, not the other way around (end of that story), he didn't learn his lesson as he was tossed from the next league when he put another victim in ICU with another cheap shot (end of that story). Done with you now.
I'm an Otters fan, but it's a shame that this happened. Don't trash the Otters for the action of one of our players. May Ben Fanelli have the best of luck in his life.
Hockey isn't about getting a fractured skull and nearly being killed. It doesn't matter if this was a "clean hit", the guy almost died just for playing a sport.
liambas is a jerk and will always be. he did the samw on tavares and many others he is just insane and should be put in jail. just after this hit he goes crosschecking another players in the face then he punch the goalie. when and if he plays in the nhl I really hope someone do a bertuzzi on him. I'll send him flowers
Charging, that caused a horrible injury. good call on the suspension. hockey is a very physical sport not a deadly physical sport.... hopefully the example has been set.
Michael Liambas is a wonderful guy off the ice he does good volunteer work, i am concerned about his total lack of ability in playing high level hockey, all he can do in semi-pro is be an enforcer
Liambas is a shit player he has nothing to offer to a team unless it's like the Southern Professional Hockey LEague, did the Leafs pay him for a try-out at rookie camp!? fucking stupid just shows why they are the worst team in hockey!
As much as I like Jeff Marek, he missed the point when saying he "absorbed the hit" from Liambas. Most young players coming up seem to have no idea how to take, or absorb a hit. This is a lost skill that was taught at a young age. Once players(and some bad coaches)figured out you can draw a penalty by turning into the boards, nobody seemed concerned about protecting themself anymore.
bghlee: I for the first time watched this hit and I see NO elbow whatsoever! It is unfortunate he was hurt but he turned into the hit that is hockey mistake 101! Should possibly have been suspended but DEF not forever!! I would applaud that hit 99% of the time!
@scooterwolfpack88 Liambas deserves what he got and a whole lot more which he will be sure to get in the future. You applaud bullshit 99% of the time.
By the way...found this story. Told by Leafs NOT to fight in camp. Guess what. First day. Liambas gets in a fight. Way to stupid. Can't follow instructions cuz there's nothing in your brain.
And for those who think i'm biased, trust me...Fanelli should have been more aware of someone coming, but you can't blame Fanelli....this was a pure and dirty elbow to the head that only a slow motion video can show. This angle doesn't show it, but when Sportsnet showed other angles, it was very clear how dirty this hit was. Liambas is a fucking idiot. Kick him out of hockey. Before someone is paralyzed by his stupidity.
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch..in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
and by the way I do feel bad for the kid who was hurt... but it was a clean hit. never left his feet, never took more than 2 strides. His speed and the opposite players speed caused this injury.
I feel for Fanelli, I really do, but this was a clean hit. David Branch showed exactly why most people out West think he's pussifying Major Junior with his decision to suspend Liambas for the season. It's hockey, David. People play hard, and unfortunately, people get hurt. But whatever, this is the same commissioner would probably remove body checking from the OHL if given the chance.
Glad to see Mike getting his career on track, even if it is with those damn, dirty Leafs ;-)
Ben saw him coming TWICE he looked to his right and he still turned his back to Michael, Ben's at fault 100% and it was only 3 strides so it wasnt even charging
Burke's not an idiot...he's very good at what he does. He won't sign Liambas unless he feels like they'll be better for it....and I think I'd trust his decision over CiPhEr505 or Leafs_suck_87 anyday!
Fantastic, another great Leafs prospect. Hey maybe they'll retire his number like Tie Domi.
I had an uncle in quebec watching Laissez Faire cover the Domi celebration. They were all "What the hell? He hasn't even done anything for toronto really... My god, theyre retiring his number?... Oh Fuck, now they have a bagpipe!"
Liambas played 17 games in the IHL after his OHL ban, 2 points, 162 penalty minutes, one 5 game suspension. Any Liambas fans out there - You're delusional. He's just a goon.
He had the puck, Liambas was going fast into the boards and he was there! He did not leave the ice, or take xtra steps, he just glided into him, and the guy did not have his back to Liambas, he started to turn to avoid the hit, and got clipped sideways! oarding is from behind, this was from the side at the most, and the guy is blind if he couldnt see this coming! You have the puck behind the net, you first should take a quick look around you,thats why he turned after passing the puck!
The hit came close to being a charge, aside from that it was perfectly clean. I understand why the OHL commish took such drastic action, there are 16-year old kids out there to protect. That said I am very glad to see the leafs give this kid a shot at their rookie camp, no need for an accident like this to ruin a young mans career.
I had the luxury of a PVR with high def when watching that game. I was able to slow down the slow motion replay itself...the super slow mo DID show an elbow at the very end after making contact with his head. Not only did Liambas skate full force into the player, he added a nasty elbow at the very end. knucklehead Brian Burke decides to give him a shot at Leafs training camp. I'm a Leafs fan,....but Burkie, you just lost some respect from me. Kick this guy out of hockey...please!
@bghlee Well I hate to say it but your PVR and high def never put skates on ur feet. Unless you've hit someone in hockey you would never understand that your arms fly outward no matter how you check someone. The other player turned his back to make the play up the boards, Liambus was committed to his check already..... but see you wouldnt understand that til you actually play the sport... and yes I do play...... and yes I consider myself a "GOON" My team needs me to play hard. So I do my job.
i cant believe the league had to end a young mans carrer after a hard clean hit. he wont go to the nhl or anything and they had to make his lasting memory playing hockey will be hitting a guy and breaking his bones. Its too bad the ohl had to be a bunch of pussy's and suspened him for a clean hit!!!!
Guys are you insane!!!You guys say thats a clean Hit!!!!how is that a clean hit.The poor kid has a fractured skull and what you guys say is " cleanest hit ever!!! Thats silly!!!
@TheBillybee1231 He didn't leave his feet, his elbow wasn't up, and the reason Fanelli went in face first was that he turned at the last moment. Clearly a clean hit.
Michael did nothing wrong here, he went to check the guy (which he did) he didnt come up with an eblow, or anything. it was a clean hit but just turned into a freak accident and i dont think he shouldve been suspended forever. He wasnt "aiming" to hurt anyone. its called HOCKEY you WILL get hurt, critcal or not. and btw the guy who did get hit is PERFECTLY FINE now, unlike Liambas whos carrer is over because of that bullshit decision
@FOBluvax15 It's boarding at the very least. It's an extreme charge, as Liambas had him lined up from the top of the circle and ran him.
Yes, Ben Fanelli turned into the hit at the worst possible time, and I'm sure Liambas didn't intend for the result to be what it was, but he was still trying to knock him through the end of the rink. At the very least he should have gotten a major for boarding and a game.
@FOBluvax15 Just FYI Ben Fanelli still hasn't played a game of hockey and won't for the rest of this season. No one knows if he ever will again, so I wouldn't say he "perfectly fine".
If the situation was a demolition derby where hitting other vehicles is allowed then yes it would be fine and yes my seatbelt would fo it's job. Hitting is part of the sport just like it is in a demolition derby. And if you don't use the safety equipment properly then there is no point of using it at all.
thers clearly his elbow coming up if you see the reverse angle from other videos thats a nasty dirty hit although i agree... whats the kid doing with his helmet so lose? it goes both ways but that wasnt a clean hit... suspension for the whole year? it's more for a statement not deserving a full year BUT deserving of a lengthy one nonetheless
@Gillg87 Are you saying that its Fanelli's fault if he has been injured, because he didn't have his helmet done properly. Even if its helmet would have been placed, he would be injured. Look at the hit, it was from behind and he just only hit his head. You can't say that its a clean hit, he almost killed him. I hate the guy who did this hit
Fanelli turned around just before the guy hit him... and didnt have his helmet on right. Im not sayin he deserved it, i mean its terrible, but to suspend the erie player for that ....i think its them trying to protect themselves...he doesnt deserve that
im sorry but thats a clean hit, the kid had his head down and spun to make the pass and put himself in a bad position. it wasnt a head shot, it was arm to arm but the kids head hit the class. i dont like that he got hurt , but that was meant to be a clean hit.
@francoisfelix5 go fuck yourself, the guy who got hit recovered perfectly fine, but Limabas can never play in the OHL again, he didnt mean to hit him like that it was a freak accident
@francoisfelix5 your wrong dude. mike did nothing wrong. he just wen to do a check and fanelli dived low and smacked his head agiasnt the wall. if fanell was smart and put his helmet on properly he would of gotten injured no doubt, but he wouldnt of been as severely injured.
mike plays for my local IHL team right now and he is the player of the month ;)
Theory97 open your eyes. Maybe the guy should have had his helmet on right and he wouldn't have fractured his skull. If you don't wear the equipment properly then it's not going to what it's designed for. It's like a seatbelt in a car. It's there for your own safety.
it looks like a clean hit. It was a nice hard hit if the Ben fenelli would of had his helmet on properly he would not be in the position hes in. he also kind of turned a little bit. I recently hit a kid from behind and i felt really bad because they had to take him out on a stretcher but he turned you should never turn it makes it worse.
This was a clean hit (no elbow, no leaving the feet), with an unfortunate end. This kind of hit has been thrown thousands of times without incident. Liambas obviously didn't act carelessly or recklessly or with intent to injure so the season suspension was excessive and was obviously done for political reasons.
BTW, it sure is interesting how the anonymity of the internet turns people into cowardly boors. You would never call me stupid to my face, you wouldn't have the guts.
@sadf290 Definition of a charge is the player takes 3 steps or more into the hit. It's clear that he stops taking steps and glides the last few feet into the hit. Clear to me anyway.
Regardless it's still a penalty, even if the guy does turn around at the last second, only this time it's called checking from behind. Results are all that matter (the worst is high sticking, you may not mean to do it, but it happens, and you get penalized).
just because hes 16 that shouldnt matter. he chose to play in this leauge so it shouldnt matter. and woww, he hit tavares from behind! players hit people from behind all the time, you guys are making it a big deal just cause its tavares! if i was some other guy who no one knew about, no one would even be talking about this! tavares was out playing next shift..
like i said again, by the rules of hockey, this was a CLEAN LEGAL HIT
Look closely at 0:09. Liambas's body is straight up down but his right arm is almost at right angles. you can see some yellow on his shirt right against flanelli's head. the yellow of the jersey is near liambas's elbow thus it is pretty clear that the end of the check is an elbow to the head straight into the boards, not a shoulder. Thus match penalty for elbowing.
I think it's very important that players be taught how to absorb or avoid a hit properly, it's up to them to take care of themselves, hits are going to happen, there's no avoiding that. The best way to combat this problem is always being ready for that guy coming in for the big hit.
Sadly it has been discovered that the foul mouthed, racist animal who is posting as "liambasfan1" is actually Liambas's mother!!! How dispicable for a women to use language like that!!!
It is a shame that Ben was injured but he didn't have his head on a swivel. Ben was in a very dangerous position, any defender going behind the net to collect the puck has to know that somebody is coming to knock you off the puck. Ben decided to make a fancy pass and turned away from the hit instead of putting himself against the boards to cushion the blow.
Again, it's a shame that he got so severely injured, but he has got to keep his head on a swivel!
All the hockey experts forgot Rule 42: Boarding "42.1 Boarding A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who checks an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently in the boards. The severity of the penalty, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee."
taht was really just fanellis fault cuz he turned, was ur going like liambas, u cant stop at all. the suspension should be lifted or at least reduced. fanelli 16 i give him credit for playing in the O but you still cant turn like that, specially not playing at That level
yeahh and mmullym you dont have to worry of being anything to do with hockey coach,playing, reffing. cause clearly you dont have any idea of this hit. SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, nothing to do with elbow to head.
I agree with gklr. It's a horrible thing to happen, and of course I hope for his recovery, but he tried to duck from that hit, and that was why he took it in the head. Not a dirty hit from an any angle I've seen. That is a situation in which you should expect a body check coming your way, and any hockey player should know that. Nevertheless, I hope he's ok.
theory91, i know your a ref in all, but have you actually played the game for a long time? theres a difference, a BIG one actually. He had his head down when it should have been up, he turned at the last second (terrible move), he didnt put his helmet on properly, of course the incident is going to turn out this way. It was a clean hit, shoulder to shoulder! You have to be playing the game for a lonng time to know it. no wonder players hate refs so much..
Well you don't have to worry about being a ref. Clearly you can't see. Watch it again and look for him to elbow his head into the boards on a follow through.
If this happened in the nhl the defensemen would of been smart enough to not turn his back to a hit like an idiot when he saw it coming. If Pronger was in that position he would of braced the hit and notihng would of happened. Full suspension is retarded.
If a hockey player is skating at your full pace you turn your back to him ....
He knew the Hit was coming there should be no suspension for the rest of the season. Theres been worse in the nhl and no penalties. The OHL is just being pussies
are any of you even play hockey or watch hockey who think its a dirty hit. the guy laid out a clean check to a guy who had the puck. the other guy turned his back and your taught from like 6 yrs old to finish your checks. if anything maybe a 4 min boarding call coulda have been made. its too bad there is a injury. if there was no injury you all would have thought it was just a solid hit.
Alright. I watch hockey religiously, I played AAA level for years, and I officiate AJHL hockey (Alberta's equivalent to the OHL,) and this was a dirty hit. It was a brutal charge with an elbow delivered directly to the head, slamming it into the boards hard enough to knock the helmet off. No matter how you look at it, it constitutes a clear attempt to injure (Match Penalty under Rule 6.1(a).) I'm glad he got the rest of the season, suspension. Ben Fanelli woke up from his coma last week.
clearly it wasn't an elbow, his elbow is level with the red part of the side of the boards throught the entire check. No need for a match penalty. im sorry about bens injury. "
Watch the second replay. You can clearly see Liambas' elbow even with Fanelli's head. Even if you think I'm wrong, the shoulder was still driven into his head hard enough to fracture his skull. Easy call on the match. Not to mention Liambas has somethhng like 13 points in his last few seasons. He is a goon.
Theres a big difference between hitting the glass and being hit INTO the glass.
Hockey Canada rulebook says:
Rule 6.4 (b): "Where a player is high sticked, cross-checked, body-checked, pushed, hit, or propelled in any manner from behind into the boards or goal net, in such a way that the player is unable to protect or defend themself, a Match penalty shall be assessed."
Pretty sure Fanelli couldn't protect himself here.
so full of shit im sorry there was no problem with this his. Ben did get injured once again im sorry that happend. but u can take your rule book and shove it. the hit was fine.. Quit trying to see something this isnt there
he knows the hits coming, how didnt he have time to protect him self. wach right when it turns to 0:07 look at Micheals skates he as stoped accelerating. there fore its not charging.
Whether he knows it was coming or not, when he got hit he could not protect himself. And actually, stopping your acceleration at the goal line before striking an opponent on the end boards still constitues a charge.
how are you suppost to protect you self when being checked? HAVE your head up. which he didnt. take the check which he truned. then ducked hmm are u suppost to do any of these things when being checked. it appears he didnt protect him self.
The fact that he turned is inconsequential. Still a penalty. Hell, if Liambas had checked him square in the numbers, he would've sat for a game. Much of the time, when a player hits another player from behind, the player has time to get his hands up. Not in this case.
I love it when people think they know hockey better than the people who officiate the sport. If you are as into hockey as you say, read the rule book.
lmfao u pbly offciate tyke or atom,. or ur just a ref that thinks hes the no all see all ref. If your such a goof offical why aren't you reffing for ohl or nhl. hmmmm.
I agree with your comments. All except the length of the suspension perhaps. Never been a ref though-couldn't deal with the crap players dole out (on occasion, me included sadly). Isn't AJHL Tier II? The WHL is the equivalent of the O.
there was so much hype to this hit. just watched it for the first time. it was a good hit maybe a bit overboard with unfortunate results not worth that suspension
this was a clean it. it is LEGAL. they annalized it on sportscenter so i think they know much better that you all who are saying its dirty and ilegal. he had no intent to hurt him and dont judge him at all cause you dont even know they guy, and if you did you change your judgement. david branch made the stupidest call ever. this was a legal clean hit and whoever says its not doesent know anything about hockey
I know plenty about hockey, thanks. I also know to rub somebody out rather than label them just because the opportunity presents itself. He had time to take the steam out of his check. I don't judge the person, just his poor judgement on this play. The suspension is way too harsh as it was shit luck all around. I don't think he intended to hurt the kid but it was not a clean hit and, moreover, not a smart one.
I feel for the kid, he got rocked..However, he put himself in that position! L2gethit son
As for the suspension... absolutly ridiculous.. under the current rules, he did absolutly nothing wrong, this is a travesty and makes me sick. They took a 20 year old and made an example of him knowing it was his last year and he wasent going anywhere after.
Clean hit, in a fast and sometimes dangerous sport.. that kid is fucked for life.. but its his own fault!
There is definitely bad luck involved, and I'm sure Fanelli will learn how to play along the boards better (well, I hope he's OK and can and will continue playing, obviously), but this is not the way you wish young guys learn.
And also, when you see that Liambas delivered a very similar hit to Tavares last spring, it kind of makes one wonder if the result was as accidental as it seems at first.
That was not a clean hit. Fanelli had his face turned in to the boards and it was not a matter of Fanelli admiring his own pass! Do I think that long of a suspension is warranted? No, I don't. But you have to send a message to players that they can't deposit checks on players when they are in vulnerable positions.
Liambas had from just past the face-off circle to change his mind-simply rub him out or veer back up ice. I'm all for finishing checks but you have to use your head. He chose poorly.
You can argue about a clean hit technically, but a stupid move on Liambas' part. He's a bully and deserves whatever's coming to him. Should it ruin and stop his career though, no. If they make an example of him, maybe he'll think twice next time? Who knows, but he's a prick.
Sports aren't about winning a fight. Win the game. You want to be tough guys, join MMA. People need to be more humble in general.
It's unfortunate, but it's a clean hit. That's hockey.. if you aren't prepared for a hit you can get seriously hurt. The player did turn quickly such that the hit put him face-first into the boards. You can't do that. The problem is you have a 16 year old out there that didn't have enough experience or physical maturity to be able to take those kinds of hits. At one time it was rare for 16 year-olds to play with 20-year olds. The average player isn't ready.
Yes.. no rules were broken unless the commissioner had set some guidelines. 16-year-olds have to be taught to anticipate and receive a hit even if it means losing the puck. Turning that way could lead to a broken neck if his forehead hit the boards.The injury would have been worse if he was hit by a larger forward charging him. The OHL feeds into the NHL so there is a level of intensity and toughness. This player was too young to be playing with fully-grown men at that level.
I think the level of violence was based on the severity of the injury and perhaps Liambas' reputation. The hit was hard, but clean. The receiving player seemed to be in a position to see Liambas coming, but made a fancy pass and turned towards it at the last second.
i dont know why people dont talk about when a player turns at the last second, u cant exactly slow down when your that close, but he definately smashed his face into the boards on purpose
This hit deserves a suspension, but not for a full season. Fannelli turned and then got slammed hard. Im not saying this sint bad, cause its horrible what happened, but the only reason Liambas has the full year suspension is because of the injuries
Yes charging isn't legal, but again if he didn't get hurt noone would be commenting except what a hit. I follow the WHL and NHL and charging calls happen every game. Its just unfornate that this guy got hurt from it. There's been worse hits than this in the NHL lately on here but with only comments on the hit, why cuz noone got seriously hurt.
Its unfornate that this guy got hurt. I hope he has a full recovery. But the only reason why this is a big deal is because he got hurt. If he got up and was ok nobody would be saying anything but what a hard hit. But again i hope this guy comes out ok
its arrogant fucks like you who make this world worse then it already is (end of story) lmao hahah
Wiiskate4Life 1 week ago
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Man my family is good friends with him, he's a great guy bt his injury was his own fault. He turned to the boards while someone was going to hit him. nothing you can do, if anything a Major Charging call but that's it
TheElectricJamz 2 months ago
for anyone who doesnt know. ben is back playing for the rangers and in the rangers 2nd exhibition game fanelli got his first goal since this hit. way to go ben soooo happy ur back and hope this was just a bump in the road
brittanyschneider011 4 months ago
CLEAN HIT ARE YOU FUCKED UP IN THE HEAD
Ovechkinfan2424 7 months ago
LIAMBAS WHAT A CHEAP PIECE OF SHIT
Ovechkinfan2424 7 months ago
Mike Liambas plays for the Cincinnati Cyclones my home town team i had the pleasure of skating with him on the ice. He is probably thee nicest guy in the world. I dont think we should be quick to judge him. My prayers and heart goes out to the Fanelli family but i dont think we should jump down the guys throat. He took about 4 pictures with us and talked with us, he even skated up to my friend and thanked her for buying his first cyclones game worn jersey this hit doesnt define his character.
hollisterhottie325 7 months ago
@hollisterhottie325 That's about in line with what I've heard about Liambas. Great guy after the final buzzer sounds, but arguably a head case while the game's going on.
cubfan531 7 months ago
@cubfan531 and i totally and completely understand that thought! but i just know that i haven't seen any goonish things out of him at least in my mind yet for the Cyclones. So im going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The hit could have honestly been alot worse he was just skating fast and hard he never left his feet it was just a bad angle in my mind. I still feel horribly that it ended the way it did and my heart goes to to Fanelli family but for now im going to believe in number 76
hollisterhottie325 7 months ago
@hollisterhottie325 I want him to get it all straightened out, I really do. Even if his career leads him to simply being a minor league enforcer, it's much better than most people's lives.
cubfan531 6 months ago
the hit was charging, and boarding, and showed a complete lack of respect for hockey, and his opponent. Liambas should be ashamed, but he probably is not.
BugsMeaney 9 months ago
@BugsMeaney Considering he was thrown out of the next league he went to within a week or two for putting another victim in ICU with yet another cheap shot, I'd say he didn't learn a thing. Prior to Fanelli, there were several other cheap shot attacks on others such as Taveres that were very similar to this cheap shot (it's on Youtube). He's a piece of garbage that was only in the league as an over-ager for one reason... take out the other team's skill players with cheap shots.
RigaFraction 4 months ago
@RigaFraction
dude i was the locker room manager for the otters for 6 years and i have never met a nicer compassionate person then Limbo he was a huge kid he had skill but more skill as an enforcer this hit was clean very clean i even heard the ohl commisioner say it was after his suspension was passed through the only reason he was suspended was because it was so hard the kid spun around and hit his head so dont go blabbing your math about someone you dont even know and jealous of his skill
Wiiskate4Life 2 weeks ago
@Wiiskate4Life LOL I was a locker room manager so it's a clean hit. Well that changes everything! That has to be the most ridiculous attempt at changing reality I've ever seen, and I've seen Bruin fans trying to defend Chara for almost an entire year now. It's ok to not understand the game, just don't come in on those of us who do understand it and try telling us we're wrong because you claimed to have washed the kid's dirty underwear after a game.
RigaFraction 2 weeks ago
@RigaFraction im not saying that being a manager changes it to being c clean hit when it was already a clean hit just dont go balbbing your mouth about people you dont know if u watch closley its all shoulder calm down man its people like you who live and thrive off youtube fights so im not getting in one
Wiiskate4Life 2 weeks ago
@Wiiskate4Life
Liambas didnt elbow him to the head it was shoulder to shoulder Fanelli's head was down and he wasnt ready for it so he got lit up and his head hit the boards thats what made his skull fracture if his skull didnt fracture they wouldnt of suspended him
Wiiskate4Life 2 weeks ago
@Wiiskate4Life You're wrong, they don't throw goons out of leagues for 'clean hits'. It was charging and it was to the head, end of story. He had a long track record of dirty hits (Taveres for one) again end of that story. You came by to insult me, not the other way around (end of that story), he didn't learn his lesson as he was tossed from the next league when he put another victim in ICU with another cheap shot (end of that story). Done with you now.
RigaFraction 1 week ago
I'm an Otters fan, but it's a shame that this happened. Don't trash the Otters for the action of one of our players. May Ben Fanelli have the best of luck in his life.
BlackHart814 10 months ago
Hockey isn't about getting a fractured skull and nearly being killed. It doesn't matter if this was a "clean hit", the guy almost died just for playing a sport.
Boogieboy138 10 months ago
unlucky for both players
sahis34 11 months ago
great hit
clwilu94 1 year ago
liambas is a jerk and will always be. he did the samw on tavares and many others he is just insane and should be put in jail. just after this hit he goes crosschecking another players in the face then he punch the goalie. when and if he plays in the nhl I really hope someone do a bertuzzi on him. I'll send him flowers
HiggsPat 1 year ago
the guy who he hit isnt perfectly fine.... he still hasnt been cleared to play you retard
Gortron5000 1 year ago
Charging, that caused a horrible injury. good call on the suspension. hockey is a very physical sport not a deadly physical sport.... hopefully the example has been set.
Libsshoulddie2 1 year ago
Liambas is a joke..im glad those shitty leafs cut a shitty player
Camps2630 1 year ago
Michael Liambas is a wonderful guy off the ice he does good volunteer work, i am concerned about his total lack of ability in playing high level hockey, all he can do in semi-pro is be an enforcer
robroy122 1 year ago
Liambas is a shit player he has nothing to offer to a team unless it's like the Southern Professional Hockey LEague, did the Leafs pay him for a try-out at rookie camp!? fucking stupid just shows why they are the worst team in hockey!
robroy122 1 year ago
@robroy122 second worst
adamzeppelin91 1 year ago
@robroy122 second worst in the top league in the world
adamzeppelin91 1 year ago
@adamzeppelin91 michael liambas can't play
robroy122 1 year ago
@robroy122 Oh I know that, I was just correcting the worst part lol
adamzeppelin91 1 year ago
As much as I like Jeff Marek, he missed the point when saying he "absorbed the hit" from Liambas. Most young players coming up seem to have no idea how to take, or absorb a hit. This is a lost skill that was taught at a young age. Once players(and some bad coaches)figured out you can draw a penalty by turning into the boards, nobody seemed concerned about protecting themself anymore.
wrobinson7 1 year ago
bghlee: I for the first time watched this hit and I see NO elbow whatsoever! It is unfortunate he was hurt but he turned into the hit that is hockey mistake 101! Should possibly have been suspended but DEF not forever!! I would applaud that hit 99% of the time!
scooterwolfpack88 1 year ago
@scooterwolfpack88 Liambas deserves what he got and a whole lot more which he will be sure to get in the future. You applaud bullshit 99% of the time.
nkmcfrln 1 year ago
whoops. Can't seem to attach links. Look it up on TSN or google it. Liambas leafs camp.
bghlee 1 year ago
By the way...found this story. Told by Leafs NOT to fight in camp. Guess what. First day. Liambas gets in a fight. Way to stupid. Can't follow instructions cuz there's nothing in your brain.
bghlee 1 year ago
And for those who think i'm biased, trust me...Fanelli should have been more aware of someone coming, but you can't blame Fanelli....this was a pure and dirty elbow to the head that only a slow motion video can show. This angle doesn't show it, but when Sportsnet showed other angles, it was very clear how dirty this hit was. Liambas is a fucking idiot. Kick him out of hockey. Before someone is paralyzed by his stupidity.
bghlee 1 year ago
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bghlee 1 year ago
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bghlee 1 year ago
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@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
bghlee 1 year ago
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@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
bghlee 1 year ago
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@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
bghlee 1 year ago
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bghlee 1 year ago
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@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch.in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
bghlee 1 year ago
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bghlee 1 year ago
@sodmanning1: if this youtube vid was higher quality, you would see, he IS a goon. Hence the "extra" elbow at the end towards the head. I play hockey, and I know the elbows fly out when hitting, but his flew out and up deliberately towards the head. I appreciate "tough" play and goons like Domi and Probert. But Liambas is beyond them. He's crazy. And he has the extra suspension AFTER this incident to prove it. Watch..in Leafs camp, he'll injure someone bad. Because he's an idiot.not a goon
bghlee 1 year ago
and by the way I do feel bad for the kid who was hurt... but it was a clean hit. never left his feet, never took more than 2 strides. His speed and the opposite players speed caused this injury.
sodmanning1 1 year ago
I feel for Fanelli, I really do, but this was a clean hit. David Branch showed exactly why most people out West think he's pussifying Major Junior with his decision to suspend Liambas for the season. It's hockey, David. People play hard, and unfortunately, people get hurt. But whatever, this is the same commissioner would probably remove body checking from the OHL if given the chance.
Glad to see Mike getting his career on track, even if it is with those damn, dirty Leafs ;-)
RockoSDMF 1 year ago
Ben saw him coming TWICE he looked to his right and he still turned his back to Michael, Ben's at fault 100% and it was only 3 strides so it wasnt even charging
MuffyCakeMan 1 year ago
Burke's not an idiot...he's very good at what he does. He won't sign Liambas unless he feels like they'll be better for it....and I think I'd trust his decision over CiPhEr505 or Leafs_suck_87 anyday!
therictorscale 1 year ago
Fantastic, another great Leafs prospect. Hey maybe they'll retire his number like Tie Domi.
I had an uncle in quebec watching Laissez Faire cover the Domi celebration. They were all "What the hell? He hasn't even done anything for toronto really... My god, theyre retiring his number?... Oh Fuck, now they have a bagpipe!"
Liambas played 17 games in the IHL after his OHL ban, 2 points, 162 penalty minutes, one 5 game suspension. Any Liambas fans out there - You're delusional. He's just a goon.
CiPhEr505 1 year ago
He had the puck, Liambas was going fast into the boards and he was there! He did not leave the ice, or take xtra steps, he just glided into him, and the guy did not have his back to Liambas, he started to turn to avoid the hit, and got clipped sideways! oarding is from behind, this was from the side at the most, and the guy is blind if he couldnt see this coming! You have the puck behind the net, you first should take a quick look around you,thats why he turned after passing the puck!
soundwave132 1 year ago
go figure the Leafs invite him to the training camp.. pathetic Burke
ooder1 1 year ago
It looks alot like boarding to me.
juffan 1 year ago
More Truculence and Belligerence installed into the Leafs cuz this guy is at our training camp (rookie).
RichRoma66 1 year ago
Welcome to the leafs rookie training camp
okpapereat 1 year ago
The hit came close to being a charge, aside from that it was perfectly clean. I understand why the OHL commish took such drastic action, there are 16-year old kids out there to protect. That said I am very glad to see the leafs give this kid a shot at their rookie camp, no need for an accident like this to ruin a young mans career.
MaxPower417 1 year ago
I had the luxury of a PVR with high def when watching that game. I was able to slow down the slow motion replay itself...the super slow mo DID show an elbow at the very end after making contact with his head. Not only did Liambas skate full force into the player, he added a nasty elbow at the very end. knucklehead Brian Burke decides to give him a shot at Leafs training camp. I'm a Leafs fan,....but Burkie, you just lost some respect from me. Kick this guy out of hockey...please!
bghlee 1 year ago
@bghlee Well I hate to say it but your PVR and high def never put skates on ur feet. Unless you've hit someone in hockey you would never understand that your arms fly outward no matter how you check someone. The other player turned his back to make the play up the boards, Liambus was committed to his check already..... but see you wouldnt understand that til you actually play the sport... and yes I do play...... and yes I consider myself a "GOON" My team needs me to play hard. So I do my job.
sodmanning1 1 year ago
i miss liambras he was the only good player we had :(
jeffery2343 1 year ago
i cant believe the league had to end a young mans carrer after a hard clean hit. he wont go to the nhl or anything and they had to make his lasting memory playing hockey will be hitting a guy and breaking his bones. Its too bad the ohl had to be a bunch of pussy's and suspened him for a clean hit!!!!
shanebc81 1 year ago
that is soo outrageous, that was not a clean hit, it was more like a nasty hit where liambas skates as fast as he can and nails him in the head
liambas himself has been suspended many times before from hits to the head, like the one on john tavaras
mattaveline 1 year ago
Guys are you insane!!!You guys say thats a clean Hit!!!!how is that a clean hit.The poor kid has a fractured skull and what you guys say is " cleanest hit ever!!! Thats silly!!!
TheBillybee1231 1 year ago
@TheBillybee1231 He didn't leave his feet, his elbow wasn't up, and the reason Fanelli went in face first was that he turned at the last moment. Clearly a clean hit.
canadianmaple09 1 year ago
best hit ive ever seen.
Thricemaster 1 year ago
Michael did nothing wrong here, he went to check the guy (which he did) he didnt come up with an eblow, or anything. it was a clean hit but just turned into a freak accident and i dont think he shouldve been suspended forever. He wasnt "aiming" to hurt anyone. its called HOCKEY you WILL get hurt, critcal or not. and btw the guy who did get hit is PERFECTLY FINE now, unlike Liambas whos carrer is over because of that bullshit decision
FOBluvax15 2 years ago
@FOBluvax15 It's boarding at the very least. It's an extreme charge, as Liambas had him lined up from the top of the circle and ran him.
Yes, Ben Fanelli turned into the hit at the worst possible time, and I'm sure Liambas didn't intend for the result to be what it was, but he was still trying to knock him through the end of the rink. At the very least he should have gotten a major for boarding and a game.
BigSilky85 1 year ago
@FOBluvax15 he got his skull and orbital bone fractured...perfectly fine?
spongedom96 1 year ago
@FOBluvax15 Just FYI Ben Fanelli still hasn't played a game of hockey and won't for the rest of this season. No one knows if he ever will again, so I wouldn't say he "perfectly fine".
lethalgrin 1 year ago
Dave Branch sucks,That was a clean hit,I am sorry the kid was hurt,but if Taylor Hall orRyan Ellis did it,nothing would happen.
clwilu94 2 years ago 2
@clwilu94 Since when has elbowing been legal?
tromedl 3 months ago
clean hit, shouldnt be out thats such bullshit
eksentrikk 2 years ago
If the situation was a demolition derby where hitting other vehicles is allowed then yes it would be fine and yes my seatbelt would fo it's job. Hitting is part of the sport just like it is in a demolition derby. And if you don't use the safety equipment properly then there is no point of using it at all.
foxman269 2 years ago
thers clearly his elbow coming up if you see the reverse angle from other videos thats a nasty dirty hit although i agree... whats the kid doing with his helmet so lose? it goes both ways but that wasnt a clean hit... suspension for the whole year? it's more for a statement not deserving a full year BUT deserving of a lengthy one nonetheless
micheleTheBull 2 years ago
who said he was out to kill the guy? he didnt even try, if he did he would make a "dirty hit" cause his hit was clean and legal.
Gillg87 2 years ago
Why don't you ask him to hit you the same way?
leopoldvs 2 years ago
but still... playing hockey is not about killin the guy... there was no friggen need for that
kokocousin 2 years ago
so truee. if the guy had his helmet done properly, and didnt "alter" his helmet, maybe he wouldnt have factured his scull..theres a thought!
Gillg87 2 years ago
yea thanks he dosnt have his helmet on right
ME16510 2 years ago
@Gillg87 Are you saying that its Fanelli's fault if he has been injured, because he didn't have his helmet done properly. Even if its helmet would have been placed, he would be injured. Look at the hit, it was from behind and he just only hit his head. You can't say that its a clean hit, he almost killed him. I hate the guy who did this hit
francoisfelix5 2 years ago
Fanelli turned around just before the guy hit him... and didnt have his helmet on right. Im not sayin he deserved it, i mean its terrible, but to suspend the erie player for that ....i think its them trying to protect themselves...he doesnt deserve that
simlittle89 2 years ago 2
im sorry but thats a clean hit, the kid had his head down and spun to make the pass and put himself in a bad position. it wasnt a head shot, it was arm to arm but the kids head hit the class. i dont like that he got hurt , but that was meant to be a clean hit.
boyrandom72 2 years ago
@francoisfelix5 go fuck yourself, the guy who got hit recovered perfectly fine, but Limabas can never play in the OHL again, he didnt mean to hit him like that it was a freak accident
FOBluvax15 2 years ago
@francoisfelix5 your wrong dude. mike did nothing wrong. he just wen to do a check and fanelli dived low and smacked his head agiasnt the wall. if fanell was smart and put his helmet on properly he would of gotten injured no doubt, but he wouldnt of been as severely injured.
mike plays for my local IHL team right now and he is the player of the month ;)
Juggalo4life445 1 year ago
Theory97 open your eyes. Maybe the guy should have had his helmet on right and he wouldn't have fractured his skull. If you don't wear the equipment properly then it's not going to what it's designed for. It's like a seatbelt in a car. It's there for your own safety.
foxman269 2 years ago
So...if you have your seatbelt on, it's OK if some random guy hits you with his car while you're trying to park?
leopoldvs 2 years ago
it looks like a clean hit. It was a nice hard hit if the Ben fenelli would of had his helmet on properly he would not be in the position hes in. he also kind of turned a little bit. I recently hit a kid from behind and i felt really bad because they had to take him out on a stretcher but he turned you should never turn it makes it worse.
tylerlamb03 2 years ago
This was a clean hit (no elbow, no leaving the feet), with an unfortunate end. This kind of hit has been thrown thousands of times without incident. Liambas obviously didn't act carelessly or recklessly or with intent to injure so the season suspension was excessive and was obviously done for political reasons.
broughall1964 2 years ago
@broughall1964 that was a charged are you stupid
sadf290 2 years ago
Maybe, but not worth that kind of suspension.
BTW, it sure is interesting how the anonymity of the internet turns people into cowardly boors. You would never call me stupid to my face, you wouldn't have the guts.
broughall1964 2 years ago
@sadf290 Definition of a charge is the player takes 3 steps or more into the hit. It's clear that he stops taking steps and glides the last few feet into the hit. Clear to me anyway.
kliffy13 2 years ago
Rule 42.
Regardless it's still a penalty, even if the guy does turn around at the last second, only this time it's called checking from behind. Results are all that matter (the worst is high sticking, you may not mean to do it, but it happens, and you get penalized).
pissed7off 2 years ago
yeahh he would fight him, but hed probably beat the shit out of him. whats this guys name
Gillg87 2 years ago
its a clean hit no matter what happened to the dude who got runover.
N3it1 2 years ago
clean legal hit, nuff said.
just because hes 16 that shouldnt matter. he chose to play in this leauge so it shouldnt matter. and woww, he hit tavares from behind! players hit people from behind all the time, you guys are making it a big deal just cause its tavares! if i was some other guy who no one knew about, no one would even be talking about this! tavares was out playing next shift..
like i said again, by the rules of hockey, this was a CLEAN LEGAL HIT
Gillg87 2 years ago
first of all, this hit was shoulder to shoulder, a clean legal hit.
1)the kid didnt do his helmet on properly which made the accident 10x worse.
2)he turned at the last minute, you should never do that
3) he had his head down! NEVER have your head down.
Dont say liambad is a dirty player cause he has never gotten suspended for hitting, just because hes a tough fighter doesent make him a dirty player.
and jerrymarcello dont fucking say that, he can beat the shit out of you anyday.
Gillg87 2 years ago
i got a buddy in the ohl who'd do him in
hympa30 2 years ago
Michael Liambas hit Tavares in March of this year. Like they said "hes a overaged" loser who hits young kids.
I hope someone kicks the crap out of him.
jerrymarcello 2 years ago
Look closely at 0:09. Liambas's body is straight up down but his right arm is almost at right angles. you can see some yellow on his shirt right against flanelli's head. the yellow of the jersey is near liambas's elbow thus it is pretty clear that the end of the check is an elbow to the head straight into the boards, not a shoulder. Thus match penalty for elbowing.
wdgarraway 2 years ago
I think it's very important that players be taught how to absorb or avoid a hit properly, it's up to them to take care of themselves, hits are going to happen, there's no avoiding that. The best way to combat this problem is always being ready for that guy coming in for the big hit.
Dizzer13 2 years ago
LIAMBAS = UNCAGED ANIMAL
1975MADNESS 2 years ago
Sadly it has been discovered that the foul mouthed, racist animal who is posting as "liambasfan1" is actually Liambas's mother!!! How dispicable for a women to use language like that!!!
1975MADNESS 2 years ago
Over the top suspension...
It is a shame that Ben was injured but he didn't have his head on a swivel. Ben was in a very dangerous position, any defender going behind the net to collect the puck has to know that somebody is coming to knock you off the puck. Ben decided to make a fancy pass and turned away from the hit instead of putting himself against the boards to cushion the blow.
Again, it's a shame that he got so severely injured, but he has got to keep his head on a swivel!
aholmes1135 2 years ago
All the hockey experts forgot Rule 42: Boarding "42.1 Boarding A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who checks an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently in the boards. The severity of the penalty, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee."
smazz104 2 years ago
taht was really just fanellis fault cuz he turned, was ur going like liambas, u cant stop at all. the suspension should be lifted or at least reduced. fanelli 16 i give him credit for playing in the O but you still cant turn like that, specially not playing at That level
KroemerHockey95 2 years ago
great hit! the kid got unlucky, by the way he hit the boards and ice, shit happens, the suspension is the worst call any commissioner could make!!!
robbybobby1212 2 years ago
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Stephen30002 2 years ago
yeahh and mmullym you dont have to worry of being anything to do with hockey coach,playing, reffing. cause clearly you dont have any idea of this hit. SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, nothing to do with elbow to head.
Gillg87 2 years ago
I agree with gklr. It's a horrible thing to happen, and of course I hope for his recovery, but he tried to duck from that hit, and that was why he took it in the head. Not a dirty hit from an any angle I've seen. That is a situation in which you should expect a body check coming your way, and any hockey player should know that. Nevertheless, I hope he's ok.
reecewagner 2 years ago
Not a chance this was shoulder to head. The connection was made shoulder to shoulder and Fanelli learned 2 good hockey lessons at a young age:
1. Do not turn away from a check at the last second, it could be the last thing you do.
2. Tie your helmet on. Not doing so could be the last thing you never do.
Heads up kids. Hockey is a tough contact sport that is played for keeps.
Good luck to his recovery and here is hoping he learns these lessons.
A suspension is outragious.
gklr 2 years ago
theory91, i know your a ref in all, but have you actually played the game for a long time? theres a difference, a BIG one actually. He had his head down when it should have been up, he turned at the last second (terrible move), he didnt put his helmet on properly, of course the incident is going to turn out this way. It was a clean hit, shoulder to shoulder! You have to be playing the game for a lonng time to know it. no wonder players hate refs so much..
Gillg87 2 years ago
Well you don't have to worry about being a ref. Clearly you can't see. Watch it again and look for him to elbow his head into the boards on a follow through.
mmullym 2 years ago
I played up to Midget AAA from novice age (9 years)
Theory91 2 years ago
elbow to head dumbass
wesss10 2 years ago
Turning at the last second doesn't make it "not a penalty".
pissed7off 2 years ago
Nice comeback blairschreyer2.....you just blew your credibility !!!
kdnse 2 years ago
If this happened in the nhl the defensemen would of been smart enough to not turn his back to a hit like an idiot when he saw it coming. If Pronger was in that position he would of braced the hit and notihng would of happened. Full suspension is retarded.
If a hockey player is skating at your full pace you turn your back to him ....
yeah thats smart
caitlinvile 2 years ago
He knew the Hit was coming there should be no suspension for the rest of the season. Theres been worse in the nhl and no penalties. The OHL is just being pussies
caitlinvile 2 years ago
are any of you even play hockey or watch hockey who think its a dirty hit. the guy laid out a clean check to a guy who had the puck. the other guy turned his back and your taught from like 6 yrs old to finish your checks. if anything maybe a 4 min boarding call coulda have been made. its too bad there is a injury. if there was no injury you all would have thought it was just a solid hit.
ackleshotspot 2 years ago
Alright. I watch hockey religiously, I played AAA level for years, and I officiate AJHL hockey (Alberta's equivalent to the OHL,) and this was a dirty hit. It was a brutal charge with an elbow delivered directly to the head, slamming it into the boards hard enough to knock the helmet off. No matter how you look at it, it constitutes a clear attempt to injure (Match Penalty under Rule 6.1(a).) I'm glad he got the rest of the season, suspension. Ben Fanelli woke up from his coma last week.
Theory91 2 years ago
clearly it wasn't an elbow, his elbow is level with the red part of the side of the boards throught the entire check. No need for a match penalty. im sorry about bens injury. "
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Watch the second replay. You can clearly see Liambas' elbow even with Fanelli's head. Even if you think I'm wrong, the shoulder was still driven into his head hard enough to fracture his skull. Easy call on the match. Not to mention Liambas has somethhng like 13 points in his last few seasons. He is a goon.
Theory91 2 years ago
micheal hits the glass just as hard as ben does . ben decided to turn there fore makeing this hit worse then it woul have really been.
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Theres a big difference between hitting the glass and being hit INTO the glass.
Hockey Canada rulebook says:
Rule 6.4 (b): "Where a player is high sticked, cross-checked, body-checked, pushed, hit, or propelled in any manner from behind into the boards or goal net, in such a way that the player is unable to protect or defend themself, a Match penalty shall be assessed."
Pretty sure Fanelli couldn't protect himself here.
Theory91 2 years ago
so full of shit im sorry there was no problem with this his. Ben did get injured once again im sorry that happend. but u can take your rule book and shove it. the hit was fine.. Quit trying to see something this isnt there
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
What exactly isn't there? How could he have defended himself from a full-out charge?
Theory91 2 years ago
he knows the hits coming, how didnt he have time to protect him self. wach right when it turns to 0:07 look at Micheals skates he as stoped accelerating. there fore its not charging.
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Whether he knows it was coming or not, when he got hit he could not protect himself. And actually, stopping your acceleration at the goal line before striking an opponent on the end boards still constitues a charge.
Theory91 2 years ago
how are you suppost to protect you self when being checked? HAVE your head up. which he didnt. take the check which he truned. then ducked hmm are u suppost to do any of these things when being checked. it appears he didnt protect him self.
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
The fact that he turned is inconsequential. Still a penalty. Hell, if Liambas had checked him square in the numbers, he would've sat for a game. Much of the time, when a player hits another player from behind, the player has time to get his hands up. Not in this case.
I love it when people think they know hockey better than the people who officiate the sport. If you are as into hockey as you say, read the rule book.
Theory91 2 years ago
lmfao u pbly offciate tyke or atom,. or ur just a ref that thinks hes the no all see all ref. If your such a goof offical why aren't you reffing for ohl or nhl. hmmmm.
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
I ref in the AJHL.
Theory91 2 years ago
im sure
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Exactly why I'm not going to argue with you. You don't know enough about the subject to say this is clean or dirty. Go back to yelling at your TV.
Theory91 2 years ago
clearly you dont either. fuck goof. even when you ref the only thing u hear is hey ref get off your knees you blowing the game.!
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Yeah. That's it exactly.
Theory91 2 years ago
I agree with your comments. All except the length of the suspension perhaps. Never been a ref though-couldn't deal with the crap players dole out (on occasion, me included sadly). Isn't AJHL Tier II? The WHL is the equivalent of the O.
Iaintiliterate 2 years ago
clean hit. sorry about his injury. (Theory91) has no clue what hes talking about and is another ref the makes shit up as he goes.
blairschreyer2 2 years ago
Clean.
Crualzz 2 years ago
Dirty hit by a dirty player. There's no need for this garbage in the game. Im glad Branch took a stand and suspended this goon for the year.
Those that claim this was a clean hit: what planet are you living on?
MadVillain15 2 years ago
there was so much hype to this hit. just watched it for the first time. it was a good hit maybe a bit overboard with unfortunate results not worth that suspension
Cheesiethecheese 2 years ago
this was a clean it. it is LEGAL. they annalized it on sportscenter so i think they know much better that you all who are saying its dirty and ilegal. he had no intent to hurt him and dont judge him at all cause you dont even know they guy, and if you did you change your judgement. david branch made the stupidest call ever. this was a legal clean hit and whoever says its not doesent know anything about hockey
Gillg87 2 years ago
Read my comment. And I know nothing about hockey?
Theory91 2 years ago
I know plenty about hockey, thanks. I also know to rub somebody out rather than label them just because the opportunity presents itself. He had time to take the steam out of his check. I don't judge the person, just his poor judgement on this play. The suspension is way too harsh as it was shit luck all around. I don't think he intended to hurt the kid but it was not a clean hit and, moreover, not a smart one.
Iaintiliterate 2 years ago
Suspended for a year wtf.. Clean hit!
xCoDz1LLAx 2 years ago
damn and season started a month ago
dfhockey92 2 years ago
This is ridiculous -
I feel for the kid, he got rocked..However, he put himself in that position! L2gethit son
As for the suspension... absolutly ridiculous.. under the current rules, he did absolutly nothing wrong, this is a travesty and makes me sick. They took a 20 year old and made an example of him knowing it was his last year and he wasent going anywhere after.
Clean hit, in a fast and sometimes dangerous sport.. that kid is fucked for life.. but its his own fault!
Silentstep66 2 years ago
thats just an ignorant statement. "his own fault" , you are hilarious pal.
sunburstgibson 2 years ago
Charging but I dont like that hairpin turn
ippis1 2 years ago
WHY ???!!! :o(
mihalik2004 2 years ago
cool
alk4line 2 years ago
suspended for the year what a fucking dumbass he deserves to be kicked out for good!
NamaoFire 2 years ago
I'm no expert on hockey but is his helmet supposed to just come off as if the chin strap had never been attached?
Madharia 2 years ago
There is definitely bad luck involved, and I'm sure Fanelli will learn how to play along the boards better (well, I hope he's OK and can and will continue playing, obviously), but this is not the way you wish young guys learn.
And also, when you see that Liambas delivered a very similar hit to Tavares last spring, it kind of makes one wonder if the result was as accidental as it seems at first.
Tommi462 2 years ago
damn bad luck.. he turns just before tackle.. i dont know is this clean or not but i think that was sad accident.
Idifan 2 years ago 3
That was not a clean hit. Fanelli had his face turned in to the boards and it was not a matter of Fanelli admiring his own pass! Do I think that long of a suspension is warranted? No, I don't. But you have to send a message to players that they can't deposit checks on players when they are in vulnerable positions.
Liambas had from just past the face-off circle to change his mind-simply rub him out or veer back up ice. I'm all for finishing checks but you have to use your head. He chose poorly.
Iaintiliterate 2 years ago 4
Thats clean hit. Why he got suspended for if he hits other player who got bad luck.
That was totally clean but hard tackle. Keep your head up.
N3it1 2 years ago
r-e-s-p-e-c-t
find out what it means n' you see..
proGoalie88 2 years ago
How can it be a clean hit when you take more than 3 strides before a hit ?? Thats charging.
Gildanster 2 years ago
No, it wasn't.
pissed7off 2 years ago
You can argue about a clean hit technically, but a stupid move on Liambas' part. He's a bully and deserves whatever's coming to him. Should it ruin and stop his career though, no. If they make an example of him, maybe he'll think twice next time? Who knows, but he's a prick.
Sports aren't about winning a fight. Win the game. You want to be tough guys, join MMA. People need to be more humble in general.
AntihistAmin1337 2 years ago 3
It's unfortunate, but it's a clean hit. That's hockey.. if you aren't prepared for a hit you can get seriously hurt. The player did turn quickly such that the hit put him face-first into the boards. You can't do that. The problem is you have a 16 year old out there that didn't have enough experience or physical maturity to be able to take those kinds of hits. At one time it was rare for 16 year-olds to play with 20-year olds. The average player isn't ready.
UnlimitedMoops 2 years ago
Not turning at the last second is "hockey sense", not a rule.
pissed7off 2 years ago
Yes.. no rules were broken unless the commissioner had set some guidelines. 16-year-olds have to be taught to anticipate and receive a hit even if it means losing the puck. Turning that way could lead to a broken neck if his forehead hit the boards.The injury would have been worse if he was hit by a larger forward charging him. The OHL feeds into the NHL so there is a level of intensity and toughness. This player was too young to be playing with fully-grown men at that level.
UnlimitedMoops 2 years ago
Any infraction with a severe level of violence can warrant a Match Penalty, which in this case, happened.
pissed7off 2 years ago
I think the level of violence was based on the severity of the injury and perhaps Liambas' reputation. The hit was hard, but clean. The receiving player seemed to be in a position to see Liambas coming, but made a fancy pass and turned towards it at the last second.
UnlimitedMoops 2 years ago
I'm done watching hockey.A season suspension for a clean hit?No wonder the nhl ratings suck.Hockey is for pussies now.
clwilu94 2 years ago
This is OHL, not NHL. That was also not a clean hit. The kid is 16. He's lucky to be alive, he's clearly NOT a pussy.
pissed7off 2 years ago
i dont know why people dont talk about when a player turns at the last second, u cant exactly slow down when your that close, but he definately smashed his face into the boards on purpose
jaquestrap74 2 years ago
This hit deserves a suspension, but not for a full season. Fannelli turned and then got slammed hard. Im not saying this sint bad, cause its horrible what happened, but the only reason Liambas has the full year suspension is because of the injuries
oilerman13 2 years ago 2
Yes charging isn't legal, but again if he didn't get hurt noone would be commenting except what a hit. I follow the WHL and NHL and charging calls happen every game. Its just unfornate that this guy got hurt from it. There's been worse hits than this in the NHL lately on here but with only comments on the hit, why cuz noone got seriously hurt.
big69truks 2 years ago
If you think this was a clean hit you should consult a shrink.
gdiblasi 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
if u think this is a dirty hit u need to consult the KKK cuz ur a stupid fucking nigger
liambasnum1fan 2 years ago
You just proved that you are stupid motherfucker.
Easyway1 2 years ago
The contact, itself, is clean. No headshot, no elbow. Fanelli had his head down. The approach by Liambas, however, is clearly a charge.
hottvox 2 years ago
Its unfornate that this guy got hurt. I hope he has a full recovery. But the only reason why this is a big deal is because he got hurt. If he got up and was ok nobody would be saying anything but what a hard hit. But again i hope this guy comes out ok
big69truks 2 years ago