Recklessly Violent
When Paul Newman’s hockey movie “Slap Shot” premiered in 1977 I was a sophomore in high school and at the time thought it was the most brilliantly funny movie ever.
Also at this time the NHL was still enduring the “broad street bullies” a collection of goonish overachievers and some talented forwards backed by a stellar goaltender that had brought them consecutive Cups.
But hockey fans know the difference between hollyweird’s version of hockey and the actual game, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying mythical hockey tales of mischief and mayhem, as long as it is on film or in a book.
In real life there is a one such NHL belligerent with no self-control, volatile and violent, a repeat offender, and as unprofessional as you could get with some victim mentality thrown in for good measure, and he is Tom “goon” Wilson currently with the Capitals.
The NHL has reported that goon wilson was “offered” an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Thursday because he is facing discipline for his recent infraction, a double minor high-sticking, which he can refuse and have it conducted by phone.
It has become more than obvious that goon wilson needs to be removed from the NHL, AHL, and all affiliates of both leagues, he should not be afforded any pathway back, no fines or suspensions required.
He is the best “player” to make an example of to persuade up and coming young players and seasoned professionals from this type of behavior.
Friday night’s published NHL article with soft language discussed a six game suspension issued during a Zoom call with goon wilson who refused to come in person to defend his belligerent stick swing to his opponent’s face.
Seven full paragraphs droning on about the Capitals problems replacing the goon and how all his teammates have to step up, on and on with positive praise and statistics and HC Carbery will not go into length about what goon wilson does on the ice, nothing written about the Leafs player.
Goon wilson pinned a face down, prone player on the ice with his stick across the back of the player’s neck and then slammed a different player’s helmetless head onto the ice in one game two years ago, yet…nothing was done.
The Capitals narrative is that goon Wilson is a 20 goal scorer who plays with an edge, he hit the 20 goal mark three times out of 11 NHL seasons, possibly this season as well.
He has played less than 750 NHL games and has amassed over 1400 minutes in penalties, six consecutive seasons of over 100 PIMs with 120 penalty minutes earned in 66 games thus far this year.
In the 1970s NHL teams had players that were referred to as “policemen”, basically they were responsible for the “safety” of their offensive stars and judiciously punished those who asked for it, mostly.
During a time when bench clearing brawls were not uncommon the afore mentioned players were a vital necessity, however in 2024 the movie “Slap Shot” is just a humorous parody of stereotypical minor leaguers from a bygone era in hockey history.
Goons are not policemen and are no longer vital to any team in any capacity, today’s hockey player will stand up for his teammates and not wait for a certain player to come over the bench to “protect” them.
So for six whole regular season contests the NHL will have hockey games without goon wilson brawling, stick swinging, or just routinely sitting in the penalty box for Capitals fans who swear he is the bees knees.
Perhaps it would be best for fans of the rest of the NHL, other team’s players, and especially for his next opponent who absorbs another goon wilson penalty or suspension infraction if the NHL would courageously come forward and say, that’s it and permanently ban him.
Buffalo Winter 
Another interesting read and an especially helpful take on the player, the league, and the matter of suspensions in general.
Buffalo Winter, you always know how to turn a phrase; this time this one immediately out to me: nothing wrong with enjoying mythical hockey tales of mischief and mayhem.
We know by now that Wilson was indeed given a six game suspension by the NHL Department of Player Safety. It is my opinion that it should have been much more and I am not saying this just because it was a Toronto Maple Leafs player he attacked. Quite frankly, I was shocked and disappointed to read some reputable sports journalists/reporters and hockey fans suggest that it was accidental. What the?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you P_g,
I am no longer shocked but frustrated with “reputable” people who push certain narratives, in this case an outright fabrication of goon wilson’s intentions, as if he had no belligerency in him.
And if any of us were to communicate and inquire of these reputable people for an explanation of how they can watch and see goon wilson’s stick from below and behind being swung upward and forward as he watched his stick smack the Leafs player right under the visor, all because his boarding check did nothing to stop an actual hockey player’s forward momentum, we would get blank stares at best.
What can they offer?, nothing, although I am sure Mr. Bettman, the board of governors and the Capitals owner/management team are working overtime to ensure the media portrays goon wilson as a good hockey player that plays on the edge and this recent double minor infraction was completely accidentally and he sure is sorry about the whole affair. (So remorseful was goon wilson he had to take his punishment via zoom and not in person)
As I wrote in my article, there is no place for someone like wilson in the NHL, no place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One more thing.
I can Google this to find out for myself but has any NHL player ever been permanently banned from playing in the League?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you do research the 1927 lifetime expulsion of an NHL player, the precedent has already been set to rid the league of goon wilson.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I will look up “1927 lifetime expulsion of an NHL player.”
LikeLike
My post generated this warning.
“Your comment is awaiting moderation.”
??
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is interesting, I have not come across anything like this before, I will have to check with my wordpress rep, I wonder what could have caused that, was there any other markings, images or words with that?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought it was interesting as well.
I don’t recall ever posting a copy and paste from Wikipedia on your site.
Maybe it went into pending, to be moderated, because of the source and the citation marks?
No matter, no big deal, as now it shows up hunkey dorey. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my initial reaction, because years back studying online at the university level I was told by each instructor not to use wikipedia as a source or a reference for any writing submitted, reason being anyone can contribute to wikipedia so there is room for…error I suppose
it is okay to start there, but just as a personal practice I do not utilize the site
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wilfrid Arthur “Billy” Coutu (March 1, 1892 – February 25, 1977), nicknamed “Wild Beaver“,[1][2] was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played ten seasons in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens, the Hamilton Tigers, and the Boston Bruins. He is the only player ever to have been banned from the NHL for life, as a result of his attack on a referee in 1927.[3][4]
Wikipedia.
For any other readers who did not know.
Good night.
LikeLiked by 1 person