EVERETT – The Western Hockey League has determined its punishments for the ugly incident at the end of Friday night’s game between the Everett Silvertips and Portland Winter Hawks, at least in part.
The league suspended three Portland players for their roles in the incident, which saw Portland players clash with fans, and the Silvertips were fined for inadequate security at the Everett Events Center.
“Any time there’s an interaction between the fans and the players it’s a major concern to us,” WHL commissioner Ron Robison said Monday. “We need to make sure that whatever sanctions – both for the club in terms of security, and most importantly for the reaction of the players – are strong enough so that these things won’t happen again. We can’t have players reacting to fans no matter what happens.”
Portland’s Frazer McLaren, Stefan Langwieder and Scott Gabriel received suspensions. Langwieder’s was for two games and McLaren’s for one. Gabriel, who received a gross misconduct penalty for his actions, was suspended for a length to be determined.
The amount of Everett’s fine was also to be determined. Robison said the rulings on the outstanding suspension and fine will probably be finalized today.
Everett general manager Doug Soetaert, who was away in Calgary for general managers meetings, could not be reached for comment.
The incident occurred with three seconds remaining in Portland’s 5-2 victory. It began when a fan poured beer onto the Portland bench. That caused an eruption as Portland players began making obscene gestures, swinging sticks and attempting to climb the glass. Meanwhile, fans pelted the Portland bench with debris.
“Certainly we respect the fans,” Robison said. “But they have to keep their emotions in check, as do the players. We want to make sure that any message we send is strong enough to mitigate any future incidents.”
The Tips can expect a substantial fine. The last fine the league handed out for inadequate security was $2,500, given to the Moose Jaw Warriors when their fans brawled with members of the Brandon Wheat Kings following a playoff game last March.
Everett already received what’s believed to be the largest fine in league history earlier this season. Coach Kevin Constantine was fined $5,000 for having his players ride the bus home in their gear after an exhibition loss at Tri-City in September.
Injury update: Everett isn’t expected to receive much relief from its injury crisis for tonight’s game in Spokane. The only player who could return to the lineup is right wing Moises Gutierrez. He’s considered day-to-day because of a head injury and may be back tonight.
However, left wing Ondrej Fiala (knee), left wing Brennan Sonne (spleen), right wing Jesse Smyke (head) and defenseman Taylor Ellington (neck) are all still sidelined.
The Tips will get a little help with the return of defenseman Matt Strong. The 1990-born Strong, who was called up twice already this season, will remain with the Tips the rest of the season. Also, call-up left wing Tyler Eskesen will be available through tonight’s game.
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