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 