Rypien Will Sit for Six

  Vancouver Canucks forward Rick Rypien has been handed down a 6 game ban for his tangle with a Minnesota Wild fan in Tuesday night’s contest. The Canucks were also fined $25,000 for the incident. My article written regarding the altercation can be found here; Wild Push Right Buttons as Rypien Pushes Fan; Gets Suspended.

  The feeling around the league is mixed on the suspension given out by principal disciplinarian Colin Campbell and commissioner Gary Bettman on Friday in an in-person meeting with the player.

"Prior to each season, all clubs and players are advised that under no circumstances are club personnel permitted to have physical contact with fans, or enter, or attempt to enter the stands," Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We hold NHL players to a high standard, and there simply is no excuse for conduct of this nature. Fortunately, this incident is not typical of the way NHL players conduct themselves and is not typical of the way Mr. Rypien had conducted himself during his career."

  The general public belief, even that of TSN NHL Insider Bob McKenzie, is that the suspension could have been longer. The fan, too, isn’t happy with the league’s response and is still arguing assault on his behalf, something that could entail a court process.

  There is absolutely no arguing the fact that Rick Rypien dug his own grave, and is fully at fault for the matter, but he isn’t the single party at fault in this case.

  The Minnesota Wild’s arena is the only arena that does not have a railing or some type of system to keep the players separate from the fans. This will be changed, but the fact that they weren’t up to code leaves question as to why they didn’t receive a fine as well. Furthermore, the grumpy fan that got shook up a bit should probably chill out. I wouldn’t be happy either, but after being removed from the altercation and promoted to first row seats, I’m sure I would suffice for season tickets on the house.

  The Canucks GM Mike Gillis is understanding of the league’s decision, and is probably thankful that it wasn’t worse.

"We understand and respect the League's decision today regarding Rick Rypien," Canucks president and general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement.  "While this game is played with passion and intensity, the safety of all of our fans and players is of the utmost importance at all times. Throughout his career Rick has been well respected by his teammates, coaches, fellow players and our community. Rick is a valued member of our organization and we will continue to support him and all of his teammates to ensure incidents like this do not happen in the future."

  The league hasn’t been afraid of handing out supplementary discipline this year, but I do feel Rypien should have gotten more.

  The 26-year old will not be eligible to play until November 6th against the Detroit Red Wings.

- Kendall Grubbs