Hiebert Suspended for two games

League says hit on Effinger was intentional

Brahmas forward James Hiebert was suspended for two games by the Central Hockey League after league officials decided that Hiebert's hit on Allen Americans goalie Charlie Effinger was intentional.

I saw the collision from behind Effinger's net and I believe the league is way wrong in their assessment.

Hiebert took possession of the buck near center ice and was on a breakaway when Effinger came way out of the crease to challenge him. And I mean way out of the crease. As Hiebert approached with very little time to react to Effinger's journey, Effinger dropped his shoulder and the two met shoulder to shoulder. Effinger dropped to the ice in dramatic fashion and slipped off his helmet while Hiebert was molested by Ryan Fairbarn.

If Hiebert had intentionally hit Effinger, Effinger's season would probably be over.

Hiebert served his suspension during today's game against the Tulsa Oilers and will miss next Friday's game against the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.

I'll have the photos uploaded by tomorrow and you will be able to see the whole scene as and how it went down.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith