OMG the blood colorado against vancouver

Randy · Post by **Randy** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:46 am

it was pay back time for steve moore who had hit markus naslund of the canucks 2 games ago giving naslund a concussion.

about 10 minutes ago todd bertuzzie got even plus plus plus by hitting steve moore with a punch from behind then pushed his head into the ice created mass amounts of blood.

I really like hockey, but as of 10 min ago I'm not so sure i ever wanna watch another game.

I'ts not war its hockey

AAF Striker · Post by **AAF Striker** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:51 am

I didn't see the hit on Naslund, was it a clean hit? I hate when players go back for revenge when it isn't even clean. Hell, I am all for it, as long as it is a clean hit. It makes me mad to see people go out of the way to hurt people

or atleast intentionally hurt them. I am all for fighting if both players know there is going to be a fight

Makes me mad when people do cheap shot crap....

Respice · Post by **Respice** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:57 am

clean hit or not, you gotta protect your marquee players. If the other team's enforcer wants to put a hurt on your best player(s) they're gonna have to pay a hefty price. Otherwise you'll have guys headhunting the sakics and naslunds of the NHL.

Retalliation isn't just for cheap shots.

AAF Striker · Post by **AAF Striker** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:59 am

I don't care who hits who. But if revenge is to be had, make it clean. No need or place for cheap shots in my opinion.

Randy · Post by **Randy** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 1:07 am

well naslund had his head down and moore stepped into him hard with his shoulder ( no penalty) i would say it was a clean hit for the most part naslund had his head down however i do think moore could have not hit him so hard. I dont think Moore intended to injure naslund

bertuzzie might has well jumped drove to moores house and beet the crap outta Moore while he was sleeping.

I am a big bertuzzie fan but that has now changed. use your skills to get even (thats what Moore did to hit naslund )

both avs and canucks forums servers are being hit hard/ crashed.

the hit was sick i cant think of a worse hit / violent intent to injure in NHl history

Tawcan · Post by **Tawcan** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 1:16 am

I think the most damage was caused when Bertuzzi and other players fell on Moore.

I didn't actually see it happen, just saw the replay so I don't know if there was anything that was going on between the two before that.

Respice · Post by **Respice** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 1:26 am

Originally posted by AAF Striker
I don't care who hits who. But if revenge is to be had, make it clean. No need or place for cheap shots in my opinion.

yeah, I just saw the replay and it was pretty cheap. Bertuzzi should see a suspension for that. There's a line you don't cross when protecting your players and Bertuzzi clearly crossed it.

AAF Striker · Post by **AAF Striker** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:11 am

Originally posted by Respice
yeah, I just saw the replay and it was pretty cheap. Bertuzzi should see a suspension for that. There's a line you don't cross when protecting your players and Bertuzzi clearly crossed it.

I guess I will have to watch sportscenter, I am interested in seeing how dirty it was. Sounds bad

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:15 am

Was wondering what was going to happen with the game so far out of reach. I've never been a bertuzzi fan, even before the wings and canucks starting battling. Unfortunatley I think a lot of it comes from crawford with the canucks. one of the biggest hot head coaches around IMHO. yeah, that could go back to his days with the avs

never saw the hit, but you always retaliate clean no matter what. Back when draper got his face rearrange by C. lemieux Mcarty retaliated clean, even though lemieux turtled it's not like mac tried to pummel even more after he covered. hate cheap stuff.

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:31 am

Hi Randy

imho the Moore hit on Naslund was a clean hit. Superstar or not you keep your head up, or pay the price.

As to Bertuzzi, it was a Sucker Shot and he deserves at least a 5 Game suspension and a hefty Fine imho. You want to Go, do it fairly at least.

In all honesty i'm not a Bertuzzi Fan because of things he's done like that in the past.

regards

minir

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:00 am

it was clean on Naslund, with intent to injury. Moore lowered his shoulder cause he knew if he hit Naslund in that position he would injury him. Dirty no, cheap hell yeah.

Bertuzzi went after Moore ( no d'uh) but as stated above it didn't help Avs players jumped on Bert who jump on Moore.

Can't say I feel sorry for Moore, he will be alright. Bert should get suspended and I won't be mad about that. but you can be damned sure Moore will think twice about going after another teams best player

Bring on the Playoffs

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:04 am

Originally posted by minir

In all honesty i'm not a Bertuzzi Fan because of things he's done like that in the past.

Bertuzzi does pull a lot, but he has to put up with a lot too. If he even touchs the puck on a powerplay he gets a penalty. If he is remotely close to goalie he will get a penalty. He gets penalties when other guys do the same crap and they won't.

Moore will be alright I'm sure, I will not shed a tear for him. If Bert gets his 2 remaining teeth knocked out I will not shed a tear for that either cause he will deserve it.

*edit* just saw the sucker punch...very uncalled for....should have been facing him...

makes Vancouver look bad. Not to mention it ruins Linden's special night.

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:06 am

Originally posted by *cho*
Bertuzzi does pull a lot, but he has to put up with a lot too. If he even touchs the puck on a powerplay he gets a penalty. If he is remotely close to goalie he will get a penalty. He gets penalties when other guys do the same crap and they won't.

Moore will be alright I'm sure, I will not shed a tear for him. If Bert gets his 2 remaining teeth knocked out I will not shed a tear for that either cause he will deserve it.

Same could be said for every player, 1st paragraph bit.

As for not shedding a tear; IMHO it's just bush the way he went about it. shows no toughness, just blind disregard for another player. Naslund can't take a hit? keep ya head up son.

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:08 am

Get the feeling Colin Campbell saw bertuzzi and said "WTF?"

League suspends Canuck almost immediately

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:13 am

LOL I love this quote from crawford;

"Moore wasn't penalized for the Feb. 16 hit on Naslund. At the time, Crawford said it was "a cheap shot by a young kid on a captain, the leading scorer in the league."

what a bunch of BS. supposed to just watch him skate by eh?

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:22 am

He lowered his shoulder and put his elbow out. It was cheap. Naslund can take a hit he didn't whine about it. He said himself it was clean but cheap and he was hit with an elbow on his jaw.

I do agree Bert went about it the wrong way. He should have punched him in the face when they were eye to eye. Break his nose not his head. Woriel (sp) will take revenge though you can bank on that. Unfortunitly this was the last meeting between the 2 for the rest of the season I believe. So it will either carry over till next season, if there is a season, or the playoffs.

IMO a good rivalry just got better.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ottawa and Philly's next game is just as messy.

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:34 am

There is a lot of people saying this is as bad as the McSorley's stick swinging incident and 100% agree. The punishment should be worse only because there are what 13 games left? I doubt Bettman will do much though, and I doubt even more Bertuzzi will care...he has everything he needs...if he was force to retire right now he could no problem.

Excellent quote right here from Tsn's message board

Bert, Like McSorely will get a ton of games. Not a smart move by Bertuzzi.

What is worse?
No discipline for a hit on a captain by a "marginal player."

OR

A top line player being suspended as the playoffs loom, for ending a "marginal player's" season?

DUMB

HOPE HE GETS AT LEAST 20 GMS!

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 4:52 am

Originally posted by Randy
the hit was sick i cant think of a worse hit / violent intent to injure in NHl history

Brashar and McSorley

Kariya and ....I can't remember the guy that cross check him in the chin taking him out of the rest of the season and the Olympics

Ron Hextal Slashes...didn't one cost someone their eye?

Lemiux and Draiper like Noeve said earlier

It is not in the NHL but i saw a minor (level) hockey fight that was bench clearning brawl and guys were holding other players down while team mates pummelled them. It was very sick. rightfully 3 players got Life time suspensions form playing in any Hockey League (Junior, Pro, Euro etc).

This is brutal...can't sleep cause all I keep seeing is the hit over and over...and none of you guys are up to keep me company.

wake up!!!

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 8:48 am

Hi *cho*

it was clean on Naslund, with intent to injury. Moore lowered his shoulder cause he knew if he hit Naslund in that position he would injury him. Dirty no, cheap hell yeah.

This Marginal Player stuff is crap imho. The Guy has a job to do, plain and simple. Would it have been any different if the play was made by Scott Stevens? Who would have done the same thing.

The Guy had his head down, you live for moments like that as a Defenceman. Intent to Injure...No! Intent to Hurt...You Bet!

You lower your shoulder as that is the way you should make a hit. He did not throw his elbow from what i saw. He moved his arm to steady his own balance after the hit.

Bertuzzi gets a lot of calls as mostly he deserves a lot of calls imho. He has always been a Dirty Player and has no need to be with his size. What he does is gutless imho.

I just saw the replay again and where i originally thought 5 Games...Make that 15. Moore never saw a thing. A total BS hit. On Third thought make that the Rest of the Regular Season and the First Round of the Playoffs. I think that more appropriate.

If they are to allow the Instigator Rule to be thrown out, then things like this certainly do not help and an example must be made. It will be interesting to see what they do.

As to Bertuzzi feeling Bad, BS! It was a premeditated attack on a defenceless Player.

As to Crawford he is a Whiner of the first order and incites a lot of dirty play by his Team. He too should be at the very least censured by the League.

This type of Dirty Play has no place in Hockey and should be dealt with Harshly. It is one thing to lose control at the time of an incident, it is altogether a different matter when you lay in wait and pull a premeditated stunt like that. Disgusting!

regards

minir

jdblitz · Post by **jdblitz** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 9:40 am

Well, I don't watch hockey and I don't know the history behind these guys but the attack I just saw on that guy moore was totally ridiculous. I knew fights and stuff happened in hockey but that was a scene out of Ultimate Fighting Championships seriously. I heard he is suspended indefinately and I agree with that. This guy blindsided moore with a suckerpunch to the back of the head, forced him face first on the ice and ground his face/head into the ice while bouncing on top of him, bouncing his head off the ice.

Too brutal for pro sports if you ask me.

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 12:32 pm

Originally posted by jdblitz
Well, I don't watch hockey and I don't know the history behind these guys but the attack I just saw on that guy moore was totally ridiculous. I knew fights and stuff happened in hockey but that was a scene out of Ultimate Fighting Championships seriously. I heard he is suspended indefinately and I agree with that. This guy blindsided moore with a suckerpunch to the back of the head, forced him face first on the ice and ground his face/head into the ice while bouncing on top of him, bouncing his head off the ice.

He should be, but I don't think it will happen.

Rest of the season and frist round of the playoffs I think would be too short. As for Bertuzzi apologizing, I never saw anything and if I did I wouldn't believe it. That is not his way. If he did it was forced and if it is forced it doesn't mean a thing.

The game itself wasn't that dirty. There were lots of good clean hits as well as Fights. Goalies a plenty, unfortunitly against the Canucks. May and Woriel had 2 good rounds. If it wasn't for Bert the game would have been decent.

It was premeditated and I think Bert got even more mad cause he was challanging Moore after the face off and Moore would not accept. That does not still give Bertuzzi the right to do what he did.

As to Crawford he is a Whiner of the first order and incites a lot of dirty play by his Team. He too should be at the very least censured by the League.

Well when he played in the NHL he was only a goon...so I guess you can't be surprisded by this?

2 bad things about this is they both just signed long contracts as well.

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:01 pm

Results? Fractured Vertebrae and a concussion

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1754963

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:02 pm

HI *cho*

Latest word is Moore suffered a cracked Vertebrae and the Police are looking into charging Bertuzzi. Not a good thing either instance imho.

The League does not want outside interference by the Law. They i hope handle it in a manner that negates that from happening.

Moore may well be lost for sometime to his Team.

Very sad situation this.

Have a Good one

regards

minir

jdblitz · Post by **jdblitz** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:05 pm

They should suspend the bertuzi guy until moore is able to return to playing. That'll teach em.

mountainman · Post by **mountainman** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:43 pm

Damn.

I just watched the video of it. That was one of the most blatent things ever. That is not hockey.

20 games (without pay) should give him time to think about how dumb that was.

On this game:

Hockey = Boxers on Ice Skates

At least the Avs pulverized them. 9-2 ? LOL

sito · Post by **sito** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 3:07 pm

The meat head not only potentially ended a young players career, he's hurt his team as well by being supended, hopefully for a long time. The part that gets me, is it was a cheap shot from behind.

The police should press charges. Kids watch hockey too.

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 5:39 pm

The part that really pisses me off is Bertuzzi hasn't even had the guts to face the Media. Burke the Jerk is claiming Bertuzzi wanted to do so, but was too upset and concerned for Moore's condition.

No Class from A to Z imho.

regards

minir

Illini25 · Post by **Illini25** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 5:50 pm

Originally posted by jdblitz
They should suspend the bertuzi guy until moore is able to return to playing. That'll teach em.

Sounds about right. And without pay like MM said.

I mean, I saw some of the Senators / Flyers game which broke a record for most penalty minutes. That I dont mind as for fighting and all. Very entertaining, LOL But being that brutal to a player is just wrong.

Mutch · Post by **Mutch** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 6:41 pm

1. Marty Mcsorlys slash to the head was 100 times worse then a punch.

2. I doubt the punch broke his neck it was prolly when bertuzzi unintenionally fell on him

Yes it was a sucker punch and yes it was low on bertuzzi's part but it wasnt the worst thing to happen in hockey..

He should be suspended until playoffs I think. Or everytime someone gets hit and hurt the attacker is gunna be a penalty. Might as well be playing chess.

Noevo · Post by **Noevo** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 6:48 pm

Originally posted by Mutch
1. Marty Mcsorlys slash to the head was 100 times worse then a punch.

2. I doubt the punch broke his neck it was prolly when bertuzzi unintenionally fell on him

Yes it was a sucker punch and yes it was low on bertuzzi's part but it wasnt the worst thing to happen in hockey..

He should be suspended until playoffs I think. Or everytime someone gets hit and hurt the attacker is gunna be a penalty. Might as well be playing chess.

Have you seen the video?

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 7:08 pm

Hi Mutch

I doubt the punch broke his neck it was prolly when bertuzzi unintenionally fell on him

Unintentional my A$$. He purposely Face Planted him, no question about it and yes that is what caused his Broken Neck, plus Facial Cuts and who knows what else. I thought from the amount of blood he'd broken his nose as well?

Yes there have been more violent attacks, but not many as Gutless as this one.

Moore had been hassled and already had fought and Won imho. He took Crap all night for a Clean Hit he made on their player, then was savagely attacked from behind and the rest is History. Hopefully Bertuzzi's history as well.

Have a Good one

regards

minir

cho · Post by **cho** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 7:25 pm

Originally posted by minir
Hi Mutch

Moore had been hassled and already had fought and Won imho. He took Crap all night for a Clean Hit he made on their player, then was savagely attacked from behind and the rest is History. Hopefully Bertuzzi's history as well.

regards

minir

As well he should be, clean or not, if you hit the teams best player you better expect to get smacked back. I'm sure he will still be hassled when he comes back too. But he should never have been jumped the way he was.

I really don't see how Brian Burke can get blamed for this? Crawford yes, considering he was smiling after the hit and Bertuzzi too. But Burke was not involved what so ever. He could issue a team apology but I don't think the team owes an apology just Bertuzzi and Crawford.

AAF Striker · Post by **AAF Striker** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 9:46 pm

Originally posted by *cho*
As well he should be, clean or not, if you hit the teams best player you better expect to get smacked back. I'm sure he will still be hassled when he comes back too. But he should never have been jumped the way he was.

I really don't see how Brian Burke can get blamed for this? Crawford yes, considering he was smiling after the hit and Bertuzzi too. But Burke was not involved what so ever. He could issue a team apology but I don't think the team owes an apology just Bertuzzi and Crawford.

I don't have a problem with other teams checking the best/better players on my team. They should not be immune to contact. Sure revenge is to be had, but atleast do it cleanly. There is no excuse for cheap shots in hockey, there are plenty of opportunities to get someone back cleanly throughout the course of a game. He could have been "smacked back" in a legal way. I am sure he was expecting some retaliation, but not as cheap and low as that was.

Tawcan · Post by **Tawcan** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 10:21 pm

The sucker punch was dirty, there's no doubt about that. It was uncalled of.

However, I don't think the punch was the cause of the fracture neck. From what I've seen on the replays so far...

Prior to the incident Bertuzzi was talking to Moore (probably trying to get him to fight). Moore skated away and Bertuzzi sucker punched Moore. Moore didn't expect the punch and was knocked out immediately (I think).

The main cause of the injuries was mostly caused by the fall and the fact bunch guys piled on top of Moore.

I don't think Bertuzzi should be suspended solely based on the fact Moore has a fractured neck, that was more caused by the events after the punch....

The punch was dirty for sure and Bertuzzi should be suspended b/c of the dirty unsportman-like move.

minir · Post by **minir** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 10:47 pm

Hi *cho* & Tawcan

As well he should be, clean or not, if you hit the teams best player you better expect to get smacked back.

Yes there may be a hit coming for that, however no one should have to put up with the harassment issued by the Canucks on Moore. Moore defended himself and that should have been it.

May had issued a Bounty on Him and it showed. Disgusting. Since when is any player supposed to be immune from a Clean Hit. The rest is BS imho.

Then to Top it off with Bertuzzi's Gutless Attack with the Game already out of reach & Moore obviously declining Bertuzzi's offer to fight. He Jumps him.

I had said i thought 5 Games, then The Regular Season and the first Round of the Playoffs, however having now found out that Moore's neck is broken and he may be out of Hockey permanently, or at least the Season...So should Bertuzzi be and without pay.

As to Burke he is a miserable Pr!ck from day one that shows no Class at anytime to the Media, or anyone else and today used the Lawyer BS to Not Address the situation and didn't at first interview even have the Guts to apologize for the actions of his Team, Coach and Player.

-----

Tawcan

The main cause of the injuries was mostly caused by the fall and the fact bunch guys piled on top of Moore.

Take a good look at the Replay of the incident Tawcan and notice after the Sucker Punch Bertuzzi put his forearm across the back of the upper part of Moore's body and Face Planted him into the ice. It was intentional.

Bertuzzi has been known for this kind of play his whole career. I don't know how many times i've seen him Sucker Punch players from behind in the back of the head. Gutless imho.

---

The whole incident was disturbing and the attitude shown by the Canucks in intentionally trying to hurt Moore is reprehensible to say the least. The fact they so injured him deserves nothing but disdain imho.

Most of the players that did speak out about it realize a line had been crossed. It is a Sport & certain codes of conduct are expected of it.

Acts like this due little to enhance a wonderful sport. By this time tomorrow we will find out how it has affected the League in general.

Have a Great one Fellas

regards

minir

cho · Post by **cho** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 2:25 am

May had issued a Bounty on Him and it showed. Disgusting. Since when is any player supposed to be immune from a Clean Hit. The rest is BS imho.

Bounty shounty, that was just big talk, very similar to Darcy Tucker telling Peca he was going to kill him during the playoffs between the Leafs and Islanders. No player is a immune for being hit, but players have to realize and I'm sure they do, that if you hit certain players you will have to watch yourself. You shouldn't have to watch yourself to that extent. Even after the fight with Cooke I would expect the Canucks, nor do I feel they should, let up on Moore. Keep hitting him (cleanly) and keep getting in his face. If he has the puck finish the check and do it all game long. That is how it should be for any player IMHO.

I had said i thought 5 Games, then The Regular Season and the first Round of the Playoffs, however having now found out that Moore's neck is broken and he may be out of Hockey permanently, or at least the Season...So should Bertuzzi be and without pay.

That is still way to light, how is this different from Mcsorlys slash? seriously a stick being swung hard at some ones temple can be just as dangerous as Driving a guys head down to the Ice. Therefore the punishment should be the same, including criminal charges.

Have a good night Minir

Tawcan · Post by **Tawcan** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 3:35 am

Moore's neck is not broken, he has a fractured neck (Fractured Vertebrae c3 & c4 I think).

If he has a broken neck he would be paralyzed...

I think we'll find out what happens to Bertuzzi later today....

AAF Striker · Post by **AAF Striker** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 4:40 am

Thought this was interesting. Took a poll on espn, here are the results thus far.

1) What punishment should Todd Bertuzzi receive?

51.8% One year suspension

30.7% Suspended for regular season and playoffs

9.5% 11-20 games suspension

6.0% 1-10 game suspension

2.1% No punishment

2) What is your take on the amount of fighting in the NHL?

47.9% Things like this are just part of the game

36.8% It's become too excessive

15.3% Can't get enough of it

3) In addressing fighting, the NHL should:

42.2% Eliminate the instigator rule

21.2% Leave the instigator rule as is

18.6% Make the instigator rule more severe

11.1% Ban fighting all together

6.8% Make the instigator rule more lenient

4) If you were Todd Bertuzzi's teammate, how would you feel?

87.6% Upset that he has taken himself off the ice

12.4% Glad he stood up for a teammate

5) Which has been the most disturbing incident in hockey in recent years?

53.6% Todd Bertuzzi knocks out Steve Moore

36.7% Marty McSorley uses stick on Donald Brashear

6.2% Tie Domi elbow on Scott Neidermayer

3.4% Matt Johnson sucker-punches Jeff Beukeboom

6) If Bertuzzi is suspended for the rest of the regular season, the Canucks will:

77.1% Make the playoffs, but lose home ice

14.7% Make the playoffs and earn home ice

8.2% Not make the playoffs

7) If Bertuzzi is suspended for the playoffs, the Canucks will:

55.3% Be eliminated in the first round

37.9% Be eliminated in the second round

3.9% Be eliminated in the conference final

2.2% Win the Stanley Cup

0.7% Be eliminated in Cup final

Total Votes: 44,037

minir · Post by **minir** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:42 am

Hi *cho* , Tawcan & AAF Striker

Bounty shounty, that was just big talk, very similar to Darcy Tucker telling Peca he was going to kill him during the playoffs between the Leafs and Islanders. No player is a immune for being hit, but players have to realize and I'm sure they do, that if you hit certain players you will have to watch yourself.

imho the Bounty Was in effect, as it was constant harassment and challenges of the Player in question all night long. It was also in Their Building, not the prior Game, so that too speaks to it as well. They were going to show Their Fans how they'd treat this. It was Chicken Sh~t from A to Z imho.

Even Naslund stated it was a Clean Hit on him. People better start realizing this is a Sport, not Gladiator night at the Forum. Fighting is part of the Game, this type of action is irresponsible, very dangerous and is not part of Hockey as i know and appreciate it.

-------

Tawcan

Moore's neck is not broken, he has a fractured neck (Fractured Vertebrae c3 & c4 I think).

Not being a Doctor, nor having more information than i'd gleaned from the TV, i went by the last statement i'd heard from the Media, that being he'd suffered a Broken Neck.

As to Fractured vertebrae that is a very serious situation as is and speaks to the Hit and Face Plant that Bertuzzi intentionally imposed on him. No matter how you cut it, dirty play such as that has no place in Sport. Hockey not being exempt from it either.

-----

AAF Striker

Interesting Poll, Thanks

------

Have a Great day Fellas.

regards

minir

minir · Post by **minir** » Wed Mar 10, 2004 9:07 am

Hi Tawcan

This is what was in todays Paper
--------

Bertuzzi Breaks Moore's Neck
======================

By LANCE HORNBY, TORONTO SUN

Steve Moore has a fractured neck, but Todd Bertuzzi has given the NHL a black eye and perhaps another embarrassing trip to court. The suspended Bertuzzi will be at a NHL hearing in Toronto this morning at 9 a.m., facing a possible season-long ban, while Vancouver police decide whether to charge him for mugging Moore during Monday's 9-2 win over Colorado.

"I have spoken to the chief of Vancouver (police) this morning," B.C. Solicitor General Rich Coleman told the Canadian Press yesterday. "There is an ongoing investigation with regard to this incident."

ASSAULT COMPLAINTS

Vancouver Police spokesperson Const. Sarah Bloor told the Vancouver Sun that police are obliged to investigate all assault complaints and, in this case, they received complaints from members of the public.

"Regardless of the fact it involves an NHL player, it is a routine investigation" she said.

Police will be interviewing witnesses and viewing footage of the alleged assault and expect their investigation to conclude within the next several weeks.

In 2000, Marty McSorley of the Boston Bruins was charged with assault with a weapon for clubbing Donald Brashear of the Canucks. McSorley was suspended for a year by the league, and convicted by the court, but given a conditional discharge. He now the coaches the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.

"I don't want anyone to go through what I did," McSorley told The Toronto Sun's Al Strachan last night. "And I want people to listen to hockey people, because they know best what happens on the ice. We all go out there and play our hardest, but we don't want anyone unable to play the next game."

As the Avs flew to Edmonton yesterday, Moore was in hospital suffering from the neck injury, concussion and facial cuts. Further medical tests are scheduled, but Moore will miss the rest of the season.

As Moore skated up ice on Monday, Bertuzzi came from behind and sucker punched him, a culmination of ill will in the game that dated back to Moore's controversial hit on the Canucks' Markus Naslund in another match on Feb. 16.

Moore, 25, is scheduled to be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver as soon as he is well enough to travel.

HEARING WITH CAMPBELL

Vancouver general manager Brian Burke said Bertuzzi didn't comment yesterday because it was "too emotionally difficult for him".

It's expected Bertuzzi will speak today, along with NHL senior vice-president Colin Campbell, once the latter announces the length of Bertuzzi's suspension after the disciplinary hearing.

"Todd is remorseful and relieved ... that (Moore's) full recovery should be possible," Burke said.

Avs GM Pierre Lacroix held his temper yesterday.

"I fully trust in the system and I believe the league understands the situation and will do the appropriate thing," Lacroix said.

"(Moore's) spirit, under the circumstance, is good."

--------

regards

minir