The Honourable Harry T. Stone presiding. Today we will hear the case of Brendan Shanahan v. New York Rangers. Mr. Shanahan will be represented by Mr. Scotty Hockey, while the Rangers will be defended by Mr. Glen Sather. The jury of New York Ranger fans will hear each of your arguments and decide the outcome of this case. Opening statements please.
Scotty Hockey: Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that my client, Mr. Shanahan has been disrespected by the defendant New York Rangers and seek to prove that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, they need to tender him a contract. Thank you.
Glen Sather: I feel that we, as an organization, have done nothing wrong, have no need to offer up a deal and will not do anything of the sort.
Judge: Alright gentlemen, I will begin hearing your arguments. The floor is yours Mr. Hockey.
SH: Thank you. I would like to submit into evidence Prosecutor's Item #1, the NHL Official Stats and Media Guide. Within it you will find the details of my clients famed NHL career. Take a listen to these numbers: 20 seasons played, three Stanley Cups won, 1471 points in 1667 games, including 120 in 160 for the defendants. And he got those while battling back from several major injuries that would have injured lesser players' careers.
GS: Your Honour, those numbers reflect the past, while we are an organization looking towards the future. Mr. Shanahan is 39 years old, there is no way he can duplicate those numbers now.
SH: I am just trying to present my client's history to show how much he has contributed in the past and the veteran leadership he can still provide.
Judge: I'll allow it. Want to see a magic trick?
GS: No, no I don't.Judge: Yeah, I guess you see a disappearing act every day with all of that money you waste. Zing!
GS: Not funny your honour.
SH: [snickers] If it may please the court, I would like to summon a witness. Will Mr. Donald Brashear please take the stand ... Mr. Brashear, do you like the Rangers?
Donald Brashear: No.
SH: On the night of December 30th, 2006, what were you doing?
DB: Playing the Rangers.
SH: We knew that, I meant what were you doing during that game.
DB: The usual - hitting people, slashing, spearing, starting scrums after whistles. It's what I do.
SH: And what happened when my client, Mr. Shanahan, confronted you over your actions?
DB: He beat me up.
SH: Excuse me? Did you say that a 37 year old man beat you up?
DB: I'm not proud of it.
SH: Did you stop taking those aforementioned liberties? The hitting, slashing, spearing ...
DB: Yes.
GS: Your honour, if I may cross examine ... Mr. Brashear, the next time your played the Rangers, and every time since, did you continue to act the fool? I mean, did you continue to cause disarray on the ice by attacking skill players and starting confrontations?
DB: Of course, if I didn't, I wouldn't still be in NHL.
GS: I rest. If I may call my witness, Ms. Cindy Crosby to the stand? Ms. Crosby, when your Penguins beat the Rangers in five games last season, where was Mr. Shanahan?Cindy Crosby: I don't know.
GS: She doesn't know. She DOESN'T KNOW! That is because Mr. Shanahan was invisible on the ice!!!
SH: Objection! Many of the Rangers were invisible in that series!
Judge: Sustained, prosecutor just present your case, don't make outrageous claims.
GS: Sorry your honour. I would now like to call Markus Naslund to the stand. Mr. Naslund, welcome to New York. Do you feel that you can still make an impact in the NHL?
Markus Naslund: I do. As you can see in that record book, I have played 14 seasons in the NHL and scored 823 points. I just got tired of Vancouver so I stopped playing as well.
GS: I find that hard to believe, as the captain of that team ...
MN: Hey, it's tough when your are the only scorer and opposing teams key in on you.
SH: If I may cross your honour? Mr. Naslund, you said you were the only scorer? Did you not play at times along the immensely talented Sedin twins?
MN: Well, yes but ...
SH: That is all, you may step down. Your Honour and members of the jury, Mr. Naslund scored 194 points over the last three seasons, had a plus/minus of -23 while playing in 245 regular season games. He also played in 12 playoff games and had just five points. My client, however, played in 222 games, had 189 points, was a plus +29 and did it while playing alongside several players less talented than the Sedins - Dawes, Callahan, Drury, Prucha ... GS: But Naslund is younger and faster.
SH: And has never won a damn thing! Not to mention younger is meaningless when you signed the guy for just two years ...
Judge: [hanging gavel] Stop your bickering. You sound like Dan and Ms. Sullivan. Bailiff Bull, can you step in and separate these two? Geez. Once you two calm down you can offer up your closing arguments.
GS: It's my team and I can do whatever I want. Piss on old time hockey and piss on Shanahan. We don't need him, we have Mr. Naslund now. So suck on that Scotty.
SH: Ladies and gentlemen, the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup this year and on their roster was a certain Chris Chelios. Chelios, an elder statesman who had already won two Cups, didn't play every game and scored just 12 points. But he was there when his team needed him and he provided the guidance needed to get that team to the promised land. This isn't an either/or thing with Mr. Shanahan and Mr. Naslund. We are stuck with Mr. Naslund after the drunken spending spree of Mr. Sather this summer so he will get plenty of minutes on the ice. But his presence doesn't render Mr. Shanahan useless. He wants to play in New York and he will do it at a discount.
GS: Bah, I already picked up Patrick Rissmiller and Dan Fritsche to fill out the roster and be useless grinders! I don't need Shanahan!!!!
Judge: Mr. Sather!! You already closed! Another word and I will hold you in contempt of court!
GS: [stamps feet, chomps on cigar]
Judge: I thought so. So I leave it to you, Ranger fans of the jury, to deliberate and determine a verdict. Place it in the comments and we will determine the sentence at a later date.
[Gavel]
"The Trial of Brendan Shanahan: The Man Behind NHL Player Safety"
In the high-octane world of professional ice hockey, where hits, checks, and altercations are part of the game, there exists a unique and often scrutinized role—the enforcer of player safety. Brendan Shanahan, a name synonymous with both finesse and physicality on the ice during his playing career, took on the responsibility of overseeing player safety in the NHL. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, led by Brendan Shanahan, explore the intricacies of player discipline, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this crucial aspect of the game.
Part 1: Brendan Shanahan - From Player to Disciplinarian
1. A Storied Playing Career
Before he donned the suit and tie, Brendan Shanahan was a star player in the NHL. Known for his scoring ability and physical play, Shanahan enjoyed a Hall of Fame career that left an indelible mark on the game.
2. Transition to Player Safety
In 2011, Shanahan took on a new role as the head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety. His unique perspective as a former player made him an ideal candidate for the job.
Part 2: The NHL's Department of Player Safety
3. The Role and Responsibilities
The Department of Player Safety is tasked with reviewing plays that may result in supplementary discipline, such as fines or suspensions. Their goal is to maintain player safety while preserving the integrity of the game.
4. Video Reviews and Decision-Making
One of the key tools of the department is video review. Each incident is carefully examined to determine if it warrants disciplinary action.
Part 3: Controversial Decisions and Criticism
5. The Gray Areas
Player discipline in the NHL often involves judgment calls, and as a result, decisions can be controversial. Fans, players, and analysts may disagree with rulings, leading to debates and discussions.
6. The Shanaban Era
During Brendan Shanahan's tenure, the term "Shanaban" became synonymous with suspensions. His video explanations of decisions became must-watch content for hockey fans.
Part 4: The Legacy of Brendan Shanahan
7. The Impact of Shanahan's Leadership
Brendan Shanahan's leadership of the Department of Player Safety has left a lasting legacy. The department's work has contributed to safer play and reduced dangerous incidents on the ice.
8. Player Safety Initiatives
Under Shanahan's guidance, the NHL introduced various player safety initiatives, including Rule 48 (head hits) and Rule 41 (boarding), aimed at reducing high-risk plays.
Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How are decisions made in the Department of Player Safety?
Decisions are made after careful review of video evidence and consultation among department officials. The goal is to ensure consistency and fairness in rulings.
2. Why are some suspensions longer than others for similar incidents?
Suspension lengths can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the infraction, the player's history of discipline, and the impact on the injured player.
3. How has player safety improved in the NHL under Brendan Shanahan's leadership?
The NHL has made strides in reducing dangerous plays and head injuries through rule changes and stricter enforcement. Player safety is a top priority for the league.
4. What is the future of player safety in the NHL?
Player safety will continue to evolve as the NHL seeks to minimize injury risks. Technology and data analysis will likely play a larger role in identifying and preventing dangerous plays.
Brendan Shanahan's transition from a hard-hitting player to the guardian of player safety in the NHL is a testament to the league's commitment to the well-being of its athletes. The Department of Player Safety, under Shanahan's leadership, has made significant strides in creating a safer on-ice environment while preserving the essence of the game.
While player discipline decisions may remain a topic of debate, it's clear that the NHL's commitment to player safety is unwavering. Brendan Shanahan's legacy extends beyond his playing days, and his contributions to the sport will continue to shape the future of ice hockey, ensuring that players can showcase their skills and passion for the game while being safeguarded from unnecessary risks.
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