The sentence . . .

The WHL dropped the hammer on Tuesday and here’s hoping that players throughout the league are paying attention.
F Brendan Shinnimin of the Tri-City Americans has been suspended for 12 games for a nasty hit from behind on F Josh Nicholls of the Saskatoon Blades. The incident occurred Wednesday in Saskatoon during the Blades’ 5-3 victory over the Americans.
That one poor decision cost Shinnimin, a 19-year-old from Winnipeg, 17 per cent of his regular season.
Shinnimin, one of the WHL's top players, has missed three games as the Americans continue an East Division swing that concludes Wednesday in Swift Current. He will be eligible to return Nov. 13 when the Americans are to meet the Chiefs in Spokane.
This is the stiffest suspension handed down by the WHL in recent memory.
F Ryan Letts of the Spokane Chiefs was suspended for 10 games after incurring a charging major and game misconduct against the visiting Americans on Feb. 28, 2009.
F Mike Reich of the Saskatoon Blades drew eight games for a match penalty during a game against the Pats in Regina on Sept. 13, 2008.
In recent seasons, there also have been two seven-game suspensions -- to F Garet Hunt of the Vancouver Giants (charging major, Jan. 4, 2008) and F Todd Kennedy of the Americans (charging major, Feb. 23, 2010).
gdrinnan@kamloopsnews.ca
gdrinnan.blogspot.com
Taking Note on Twitter