Shane Doan’s blindside hit on Dan Sexton to be reviewed by the NHL
Right-winger Shane Doan, the long-serving captain of the Phoenix Coyotes, may receive a suspension from the
National Hockey League
regarding the blindside hit he lay on Dan Sexton of the Anaheim Ducks. The NHL is currently
reviewing the questionable hit that occurred during the game.
Doan executed the hit during the Coyotes recent 3-2 loss to the Ducks in Anaheim. In the third period of the game, Doan launched a big open-ice shoulder check in the neutral zone that
knocked Sexton to the ice, his head snapping back as he fell. Fortunately, Sexton was not injured by Doan’s hit, and remained in the game.
Doan was not penalized by the on-ice officials for this hit to the head, neither was he penalized for another big hit that occurred in the second period of the same game. Ducks defenceman
Cam Fowler was the victim of the other hit, which occurred along the boards. Fowler’s head had been wedged between Doan’s knee and the boards. He left the ice with some assistance, and did not return.
Known as an intense player with a hard work ethic, Doan is typically not viewed as a dirty player by any standards. His earlier hit on Fowler was a clean one, despite the injury the rookie
sustained. Hits to the head are now a punishable offence in the NHL, a decision that was made before the current season began. As a result, Doan may draw a suspension from the hit on Sexton, even though Sexton was only shaken by the hit.
Head shots have become a major problem in the league over the past few years, and many players have incurred multi-game suspensions for these hits. The targets of the hits often sustain
major injuries and concussions as a result, sometimes keeping them out of the line-up for long periods of time.
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