Jarret_G 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 (edited) A LOT of players in the NHL use illegal curves, it's very common, and sort of one of the unwritten rules to just not call a player out on it...google Peter Schaefer and try and tell me that's not illegal. Even at the minor hockey level, a lot of stock blade patterns sold in stores are illegal, that's why Hockey Canada no longer has a rule for curvature of the blade. Also, in Hockey Canada, a player receives a 10 minute misconduct if they break their stick when asked for a measurement, along with 2 minutes for the illegal stick. I guess in the pros, where they have multiple sticks with all the same blade pattern a referee can just simply take another one and measure it...so they don't have a penalty for that. Still a dumb move on Spezza's part. Oh, and a goal wouldn't be disallowed if a players stick is found to be illegal, even if they measure it right after the goal. EDIT: check out this thread...a lot of them aren't retail, but pro returns http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index...urve&st=195 Edited March 10, 2009 by Jarret_G Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cusimano_brothers 1,655 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 I heard this quote from Maple Leaf Head Coach Ron Wilson on TSN this morning and the story in the Toronto Star has it: "Our players competed like heck," said Wilson. "I wanted at the end to give our guys a chance to win, they tried so hard. The guy is using a stick that's not only illegal but dangerous. I had an opportunity to call it, so I did." Coach Wilson: putting it all on the line for the team! No wonder Donald S. Cherry calls him "Little Napoleon"; those wheels are always turning. Spezza's quote, from the same article: "Real dangerous, I guess," said an annoyed Spezza sarcastically. "They told me (the blade) was too skinny. I shave them down to be skinnier." The problem, as officials found, was indeed that the height of Spezza's blade was below regulation as it approached the toe. Wilson said he's been aware all season that the centre was using an illegal stick. The players all know that their sticks and it's their responsiblity to make sure they are legal. Spezza got caught. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest GordieSid&Ted Report post Posted March 10, 2009 Maybe I've got a "stick" up my butt about this but this really pisses me off. Not so much just having an illegal stick. Although he is CHEATING. Maybe it's not steroids level cheating but I'd liken it to playing baseball with a corked bat. I don't know why the announcers are so cavalier about all this. Especially the part about him breaking it. That was the grossest attempt I've seen in awhile to dishonor the game. I actually wouldn't mind seeing Spezza suspended for this. Nothing serious, but a game at least. Seriously, he's cheating, he knows he's cheating and then he tries to damage and hide the evidence. I don't know about others but I don't see any humor in this at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
utahfalconer 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEYgT2TQRu8 Definitely Illegal.. Alot of players use Illegal sticks though. Ovie does... you look at the curve on that sucker.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoreline Report post Posted March 10, 2009 I guess people missed that the video of the incident was posted last page. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Inultus 12 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 How does having the height of your blade shorter help you out? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedenwing40 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 Maybe I've got a "stick" up my butt about this but this really pisses me off. Not so much just having an illegal stick. Although he is CHEATING. Maybe it's not steroids level cheating but I'd liken it to playing baseball with a corked bat. I don't know why the announcers are so cavalier about all this. Especially the part about him breaking it. That was the grossest attempt I've seen in awhile to dishonor the game. I actually wouldn't mind seeing Spezza suspended for this. Nothing serious, but a game at least. Seriously, he's cheating, he knows he's cheating and then he tries to damage and hide the evidence. I don't know about others but I don't see any humor in this at all. He sat his 2 min, it is a penalty not a play that can result in any sort of suspension. Next time it happens it could be in the playoffs. I hope none of the wings sticks are illegal. PS Most are Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OsGOD 3 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 Sorry. I guess it's an Australian term. I'll try to keep them to a minimum. In this context, it's another word for "busted". so he gots made as a cheat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wombat 26 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 How does having the height of your blade shorter help you out? I've been trying to think about that as well... maybe it's just about the stick feeling "right"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
