This is understandably a difficult disconnect for players to fully grasp, but it literally has their well-being at risk.
The fact that a recently retired player continues to be in charge of player safety is detrimental to the league. The immediate argument from the NHL Players’ Association is that they need someone in that position who “understands the game.” To them, a huge part of that definition means someone who played at the NHL level. Surely, it’s true that with that distinction comes an understanding that can’t be had otherwise.
But what it also brings is the undeniable fact of subjectivity. The current head of the Department of Players Safety (DOPS) is George Parros, the former enforcer and Princeton graduate — the last part has become part of his surname. And Parros gritted his teeth and did what he thought had to be done when he suspended former Anaheim teammate — and surely good friend — Andrew Cogliano for two games as a result of his headshot to the Kings’ Adrian Kempe last Saturday.
More notably, the suspension ended Cogliano’s streak of 830 consecutive games played, the fourth-longest streak in the history of the league. That is far more difficult than it reads, and the respect that Cogliano has received is very well deserved.
But here is a resounding sentiment that was voiced by Jeremy Roenick in a Q&A with the Sporting News:
“I hate it. I hate the call, I hate the decision,” Roenick said.
He later added: “They took away something from him that was very important to him and to the league. Sometimes you should be able to turn a blind eye to certain things.”
It’s hard to blame Roenick for thinking that — or any other players, current or retired. That is the world they live in, one with unwritten rules that color the ones actually written down.
Really, Parros should be exalted for showing such objectivity. Cogliano may be one of those guys who “plays the right way,” and his meek 281 career penalty minutes backs that up. But he hits Kempe well after he has released the puck, and it’s a shoulder right through the chin.
“This is a late, high, forceful check on a player who is not eligible to be checked in any manner,” Parros said on the video.
And Parros leaves all of his commentary on the released video. It wouldn’t do any good for him to answer questions, because he’d be lying if he had to say it wasn’t more difficult to suspend a good friend than it would be a nameless and faceless player.
But that conflict of interest does not have to exist. When the physical safety of a person is at risk — both immediately and years from now with brain trauma — there should be the utmost diligence. Which is why there should be a neutral, non-player in that role, one that will take a stern line and enforce the rule book with as close to total objectivity as humanly possible.
But then again, there is a neutral concussion spotter at every arena, and how’s that going?
Anthem singers ranked
In light of the news that Rene Rancourt is retiring from singing the anthem at Bruins’ games — and we say thank ye for no more of that tired act — let’s rank our favorite anthem singers seen in person.
1. Madame Ginette Reno: Even when the Rangers were up in Montreal for a playoff series this past spring, coach Alain Vigneault couldn’t help but heap praise for the inevitable goosebumps when “Mrs. Reno” begins belting.
2. Lyndon Slewidge: The former Ontario Provincial Police officer with a booming bilingual baritone was unceremoniously let go by the Senators before last season. I can’t imagine a single reason why.
3. Arlette: Bringing enthusiasm and a smile that backs up her big voice, she kills it during Devils games at The Rock; like a watered-down Whitney Houston.
Lauded Lindros
Good for the Flyers and Eric Lindros for putting any quarrels behind them as they rightfully hung his No. 88 from the rafters at Wells Fargo Center. Lindros was a larger-than-life figure, and was absolutely dominant after Philadelphia traded away so much to get him. But when concussions started coming and he complained about the medical staff and then they offered him a half-hearted contract — all chronicled here in The Athletic — things got ugly and he was traded to the Rangers. That’s when more concussions came, and his career so painfully teetered off.
But at least he’s being honored in the place he should be, and it’s always better late than never.
Stay tuned . . .
. . . to the All-Star Game festivities beginning next Friday down in Tampa. More notably, wait to see the protests that seem inevitable when a politically polarizing figure like Kid Rock was not only selected to headline the music, but backed up by the league.
Parting shot
Here’s a midseason reminder the the Stars are still around in Western Conference playoff hunt, and boy, with the skill like this shown here from Tyler Seguin, it’d be fun to see them make the playoffs.