Chara Collision Causes Complaint Calamity

Hockey is a passion that unites millions of fans across the United States and Canada. We take our game seriously and instill civic pride in our teams as well as prepare the players in a code of conduct mold. When things don't go our way, a simple tragic event can be turned into an epic crime against humanity.

Such is the case with the Montreal fans upset that nothing more was made of the brutal Chara-Pacioretty collision a few days ago. The result of the hit caused Pacioretty to endure fractured neck and concussion. However, the NHL chose not to pursue any further disciplinary actions against the Bruins captain, Chara.

Almost immediately, according to the Canadian Press story, calls to the Montreal police dispatch demanded that something be done with Chara criminally while urging an investigation.

Police say their emergency call centre started getting flooded around 4 p.m. -- after the NHL announced its decision. A spokesman said police suspected the calls were inspired by a local media outlet that suggested the idea. The police spokesman described the gesture as "irresponsible" -- and he urged Montrealers to keep the emergency line free for actual life-and-death matters.

In the heat of the matter, I could understand why Montreal fans would be so enraged by this. But clogging up the phone lines could have cost the police crucial time in preventing an actual crime.

"Someone in the media has been telling people to call the police to complain," said Sgt. Ian Lafreniere of the Montreal police. "This shows a serious lack of responsibility."

But the real crime is still the broken body of Pacioretty who could lose his career after what is most certainly going to be a long recovery. The sobering moment when a player is carted off on a gurney makes players, pundits, fans, and league officials meditate on something that is deeply embedded within the escalating violence.

Pacioretty, 22, was the Canadiens’ second choice (22nd overall) in the 2007 entry draft. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder, a native of New Canaan, Connecticut, has been one of the team’s best players this season, with 14 goals and 24 points in 37 games.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet and National Post ]