Unsavoury scenes at Elite league clash

CARDIFF,U.K-The Cardiff Devils and Sheffield Steelers met for the fourth time this season with the Steelers earning a 2-0 victory. The result ensured that they have won all four matches against the Devils this season, three of which have been played in Cardiff.

However, the result was not the story as, right on cue, tensions flared leading to unsavoury scenes at the final buzzer. With the clock stopped just two seconds from the end, a match which had passed with little incident deteriorated rapidly leading to a post-match ‘brawl’ involving every player.
The reality was that as bench clearances go it was pretty tame, but the actions of two individuals brought a more sinister tone to proceedings and would lead to the need for strong decision-making from the league’s governing body, which has struggled to forge a good reputation for itself.
Steelers Andrew Sharp received a total of 121 penalty minutes which centred on a cut he inflicted to an official’s neck with his stick in what was a botched attempt to spear Cardiff’s Doug MacIver to the head. All of this was clearly captured by slow motion camera.
Footage sent to the league by the Devils also showed Steelers’ goaltender Jody Lehman using his blocker to punch Brad Voth in the back of the head and throwing a water bottle at Devils fans. Lehman was also blamed as the architect of the ‘brawl’ with his mocking of and alleged use of obscene gestures to Devils fans.
Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before something like this happened in a game between these two rivals. Those familiar with the Elite league or those who read a previous article I wrote on Devils captain and now All-Star captain Brad Voth will be aware of the history of tensions between the two clubs.
In short, a combination of inflammatory press releases, an apparent media witch-hunt against Voth, and a perceived bias against him by the league disciplinary panel has created a genuine dislike between the two hockey clubs. Throw into the mix that the current Steelers owner also owned the Devils (where he was extremely unpopular to put it mildly) until the end of last season, and it’s no surprise that this rivalry had finally crossed the line.
The questionable way in which the media has been used to generate this rivalry is an important debate, but not one which I will enter into here. However, what is clear is that the media approach taken by the Steelers organisation has influenced the conduct of the players of both clubs on the ice.
However, the unpredictable nature of Andrew Sharp added to the potential for the things to be taken too far. Sharp is originally from British Columbia but holds a British passport and in the words of Steelers Coach Dave Matsos; “knows why he’s been signed.”
Sharp is clearly ‘a square peg in a round hole’ in the UK Elite League. His ability as a hockey player is not near the standard required to play professional hockey and in the opinion of this author his presence in the league is detrimental to its credibility; a key issue in a country where hockey is little understood by those outside the game and positive exposure is vital.
Following the incident, Steelers former AHL defenseman Steve Munn did not attack Sharp personally, but did say he believed the suspension was “fair”, something Sharp himself disagreed with believing the length of the suspension was “too long.”
Munn also recognised the importance of the league’s credibility when attracting players from North America, saying; “If this league is a bush league you’re not going to attract good players year in year out. If it’s just a place for meat balls to come and pretend it’s a bar fight every night you’re not going to get decent players.”
Many believed it was only a matter of time before Sharp overstepped the mark and so it proved. On review Sharp was banned for 20 matches. Surprisingly, the Steelers have not (at the time of writing) released Sharp from his contract.
Sharp’s misdemeanours were automatically reviewed by the league, while the Devils requested that the league also view footage of Jody Lehman’s actions. This would pose a far greater challenge for the league, particularly as the Elite League disciplinary tariff indicates that players who throw equipment at spectators should receive a 25 game suspension. The cynic may argue that it is much more difficult to ban the starting goaltender of the current league leaders, than a player who rarely takes to the ice.
At the time of writing, the Devils organisation has not heard a decision on the possible suspension of Lehman. However, this does not mean a decision has not been made. The Devils first became aware of Sharp’s ban when I called them in my journalistic capacity after hearing the exclusive announcement on the Steelers radio programme. (The league’s official press release did not reach their website until the following day)
A similar situation occurred with the ban on Brad Voth, where the league confirmed privately to the Devils that the ban was to be halved to six games, only to announce on their website that in fact the ban stood at 12.
There are two factors here that contribute to one over-arching issue – the Elite League’s ability to inspire confidence that it can be the well-run, decisive and consistent authority that UK ice hockey needs. The first is an issue of communication and transparency. The second is an issue of balance and fairness. Both are crucial if it is to have the support of the clubs and fans. Some of that confidence could be restored (or more lost) depending on the outcome of Lehman’s possible suspension.
Video footage clearly shows him acting in a way towards supporters (including throwing an object at them) which would not be tolerated if it were the other way around. This is where the league must act strongly and decisively and if it does not it could set a dangerous precedent.
While the reaction of the Devils fans towards Lehman’s actions was not as nearly as bad as what you may see at a soccer match, it cannot be condoned. As a precaution, the Steelers were escorted through the back exit at the end of the game. However, this could be a mere prelude if players are allowed to get away with a similar approach to fans as that demonstrated by Lehman.
Hockey is marketed as a family sport in the UK, but for a time at the conclusion of this game it did not resemble that. The decision regarding Lehman provides a huge opportunity for the Elite League to show that it is the transparent, decisive, and confident organisation that UK ice hockey needs and the fans want it to be. However, I fear it may have already been taken. Contact the author Aled.lloyd@prohockeynews.com