The NHL playoffs have been pretty brutal so far, with big controversial plays from Matt Clavert and Ryan Hartman. As the brutality continues to escalate, here’s a quick reminder that other hockey leagues make the NHL look tame when it comes to the dirty side of the game.
During an ECHL playoff game on Saturday, Ben Wilson of the Kalamazoo Wings lost his mind while trying to clear his crease and send a message to Simon Denis of the Toledo Walleye.
Watch as Wilson knocks down Denis and gives him seven cross-checks to the back as Denis is down on the ice.
Here's the video: Kalamazoo's Ben Wilson with 7 Cross Checks to the back of Simon Denis. Wilson was ejected. Will be suspended. pic.twitter.com/UD7mRiIfet
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) April 16, 2017
Wilson was tossed for his cross-check tirade, picking up a total of 17 penalty minutes for his actions. Denis was injured, but the details surrounding his injury haven’t been revealed. He has been ruled out for his team’s next game, which may play a role in what kind of suspension (if any) Wilson receives for all of his cross-checks.
It goes without saying that there’s no place for this kind of stuff in hockey. Whether we’re talking about the NHL or the ECHL, there’s no need to hit a guy who is down on the ice seven times with cross-checks.
