We start Period 1 by discussing the sad state of affairs in the SNL, as the Murrayfield Racers and the Dundee Comets aired their dirty laundry in public this past week on (now deleted) social media, much to the ire of Scottish Ice Hockey who took swift action aimed at both teams.

Meanwhile, in the EIHA, that league’s investigation into alleged racial abuse during an U18’s game a number of weeks ago came to its completion, with no supplementary action. The lads agree that whilst no action can be taken, it is beholden on both the League and the teams to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

In the EIHL, struggling Fife Flyers sunk to a seemingly previously unattainable new low, in a now deleted social media post flogging tiny bottles of hand sanitiser for £4 a bottle. Fans of the team and from across the league and beyond took exception to this, and rightly so. with the original tweet now gone, we’ll let BadlydrawnEIHL sum things up in their usual outstanding style!

Kills 100 percent of everything pic.twitter.com/iWCWnlethO

— Badlydrawneihl (@Badlydrawneihl1) October 31, 2021

Penalty Box

EIHL DOPS was awful busy over the last couple weeks.

It all started in Coventry, with Guildford taking the win and both teams taking multiple fines and bans.

The following week, the Blaze find themselves further involved with DOPS, this time with Cardiff who had their own run in with the Ban-Wagon…what’s you’re impressions of the bans handed out here? Safe to say, we had thoughts… Is DOPS losing legitimacy again?

It wasn’t just these teams under the DOPS microscope however – the Steelers and Storm both found themselves on the receiving end of fines for…well, stuff we guess. Things get a little vague on this one with no explanations or video.

Are we the only ones not sure what the craic is with these fines anyway? Where’s the money going? What amount are they for? Does it matter to you like it seems to for us? Are we the crazy ones?!

Internationally news wise, things have been a little dark – but we start with the good news that China will indeed go to the ball! Well, they’ll be at the Olympics anyway, as the national team, ranked 36th in the world and more-or-less playing as KHL franchise KunLun Red Star (2nd from bottom by only one point), have been granted permission to play. We expect big things from these underdogs…or not, you know…whatever.

There was also some great, if expected news from Nashville for John as the Predators announced that their first jersey will be retired – and it will be none other than the number 35 of recently departed net minder Pekka Rinne that will be lifted to the rafters. Finally a banner that means something!

Sadly, international hockey news is dominated by more humbling and sad stories, none more so than the sad announcement of the passing of 24 year old Bratislava Capitals player Boris Sádecký, who passed away days after having collapsed during a game at the weekend. We join the global hockey community here at Door 14 in sending our condolences and best wishes to Boris’ family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

It was with greatest dismay that we received the news of the passing of @bratislavaCAPS player Boris Sádecký. The entire bet-at-home ICE Hockey League expresses its deepest condolences to Boris' closest family and friends as well as his teammates. pic.twitter.com/DiqZSnS0qS

— win2day ICE Hockey League (@win2dayICE) November 3, 2021

The biggest news of the last fortnight however in hockey is one that is inescapable due to it’s impact and severity.

Last week, news of an independent review of the handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by the Chicago Blackhawks organisation found there to have been significant failings by the part of several key and senior officials of that team during their successful 2010 Stanley Cup campaign. The abuser, who’s name we here at Door 14 will not deign to utter, sexually abused player Kyle Beach, who was only 20 years old at the time. Kyle has bravely stepped forward out on anonymity to give his side of the story and we stand with him, as do all decent and humane people in our sport.  So far, there have been several high level firings and resignations across Chicago Blackhawks and wider NHL, with the league itself fining the team $2,000,000 for failing to act appropriately to the allegations.
As time goes on, it is expected that more ac tons will be taken against individuals, but it is good to see at least the perpetrators name removed from the Stanley Cup at the very least, as it is one which clearly does not belong.

Penalty Box

One NHL DOPS ruling of mention is that of PK Subban (or PK Slew-bban as he is becoming known) being fined $15k, the maximum allowed under the CBA for tripping. Notable mainly as this is not just the first or second time this season that PK has been under Player Safety’s eye of this – but the THIRD in as many months.
John’s just glad he’s no longer in gold while he’s up to this nonsense!

How many times do we have to say it?

Hockey Is For Everyone!

That’s the message for the idiot High School lads in Pittsburgh who decided to unload a tirade of sexist abuse at Mars Hockey Club’s female netminder. Whilst stiff action has already been taken by the boys’ school, it serves as a timely reminder to everyone that our sport is for everyone, and if you think you can do better that the girl or boy you’re hurling offensive abuse at, maybe lace up your own skates first, eh?

Thankfully there was some lighthearted funniness in the NHL this week to wrap things up with! In Edmonton last weekend, somehow Seattle Kraken defenceman Vince Dunn and Oilers forward Ryan Nugget-Hopkins ended up, quite literally ‘tied up‘ as Dunn’s skate lace managed to corral the heel plate of Nugget-Hopkins’ skate, leaving the two bound together! Skate bro’s for life, we’re sure from this day forward!

That's an effective way to cover your guy in front. Nugent-Hopkins and Vince Dunn get tied up #Oilers #Kraken #NHL pic.twitter.com/Pd5oDxwB87

— Derek Van Diest (@DerekVanDiest) November 2, 2021