what is wrong with people???

[talkingcanes]

AHL stick-swinging could bring charges

TSN.ca Staff
4/30/2004

HAMILTON (CP) - Charges are possible after a Hamilton Bulldogs player took a baseball-style swing at a Cleveland Barons player during the first period of Friday night's AHL playoff game.

A bloodied Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford was taken to hospital after he was struck in the head with a stick by Bulldogs forward Alexander Perezhogin. He was treated and released from hospital, according to a Hamilton Health Sciences spokesperson.

Stafford, a Los Angeles native, was on his knees at the time of the attack and fell to the ice in convulsions, blood gushing from a huge gash in his face.

``I've been doing hockey my whole life and I've never seen anything like it,'' said enraged Barons coach Roy Sommer, who talked about an NHL incident in 2000 when Marty McSorley hit Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.

``That makes the McSorley-Brashear thing look like girl scouts.''

A doctor and trainers attended to the injured player, who reportedly lost many teeth, broke a bone in his face, suffered a third-degree concussion and might have suffered a seizure.

Sommer said he hopes Perezhogin is punished to the full extent possible.

``I don't think this guy should ever play again in North America,'' he said. ``That's a travesty.

``I saw it on tape ... and it's even worse on tape.''

Stafford was put on a stretcher and taken to Hamilton General Hospital about 15 minutes after the incident. He was alert and stable when he arrived there.

Cleveland won the game 4-1 but Hamilton still leads the best-of-seven playoff series 3-2. Game 6 is scheduled for Cleveland on Sunday afternoon.

Bulldogs coach Doug Jarvis said his team's thoughts are with Stafford.

``My only thoughts right now is that Garrett Stafford is all right,'' he said. ``That's what we're all hoping for at this time.''

There was no word Friday night whether any charges will be laid.

Hamilton police Staff Sgt. Mike Campbell confirmed he had sent an investigator to Copps Coliseum to investigate. This does not mean that a complaint has been filed, or that charges will be laid, Campbell said.

In March, Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the NHL regular season and playoffs for attacking Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore from behind.

Vancouver police have finished their investigation in that case and it is now up to the Crown to decide whether to lay charges

[talkingcanes]

AHL stick-swinging could bring charges

TSN.ca Staff
4/30/2004

HAMILTON (CP) - Charges are possible after a Hamilton Bulldogs player took a baseball-style swing at a Cleveland Barons player during the first period of Friday night's AHL playoff game.

A bloodied Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford was taken to hospital after he was struck in the head with a stick by Bulldogs forward Alexander Perezhogin. He was treated and released from hospital, according to a Hamilton Health Sciences spokesperson.

Stafford, a Los Angeles native, was on his knees at the time of the attack and fell to the ice in convulsions, blood gushing from a huge gash in his face.

``I've been doing hockey my whole life and I've never seen anything like it,'' said enraged Barons coach Roy Sommer, who talked about an NHL incident in 2000 when Marty McSorley hit Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.

``That makes the McSorley-Brashear thing look like girl scouts.''

A doctor and trainers attended to the injured player, who reportedly lost many teeth, broke a bone in his face, suffered a third-degree concussion and might have suffered a seizure.

Sommer said he hopes Perezhogin is punished to the full extent possible.

``I don't think this guy should ever play again in North America,'' he said. ``That's a travesty.

``I saw it on tape ... and it's even worse on tape.''

Stafford was put on a stretcher and taken to Hamilton General Hospital about 15 minutes after the incident. He was alert and stable when he arrived there.

Cleveland won the game 4-1 but Hamilton still leads the best-of-seven playoff series 3-2. Game 6 is scheduled for Cleveland on Sunday afternoon.

Bulldogs coach Doug Jarvis said his team's thoughts are with Stafford.

``My only thoughts right now is that Garrett Stafford is all right,'' he said. ``That's what we're all hoping for at this time.''

There was no word Friday night whether any charges will be laid.

Hamilton police Staff Sgt. Mike Campbell confirmed he had sent an investigator to Copps Coliseum to investigate. This does not mean that a complaint has been filed, or that charges will be laid, Campbell said.

In March, Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the NHL regular season and playoffs for attacking Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore from behind.

Vancouver police have finished their investigation in that case and it is now up to the Crown to decide whether to lay charges

[nccanes]

I had lunch at Damon's today and saw the clip of this hit on the big screen there. It literally made me nauseous. They even showed the player have his siezure. Horribly sad, he took it right in the face with no shield.

:sad:

[nccanes]

I had lunch at Damon's today and saw the clip of this hit on the big screen there. It literally made me nauseous. They even showed the player have his siezure. Horribly sad, he took it right in the face with no shield.

:sad:

[Lady J]

AGGGGGG! That's HORRIBLE! :eek2: I can't imagine what would make you think that doing that to another human being is acceptible. Yikes.

[Lady J]

AGGGGGG! That's HORRIBLE! :eek2: I can't imagine what would make you think that doing that to another human being is acceptible. Yikes.

[talkingcanes]

I read on another board that the player who was hit by the stick had attempted to hit the other player in the same manner first and missed. Neither of these boys is role model material IMO. I hope the player who was hurt recovers quickly and that both of them get some disciplinary action taken against them.

[talkingcanes]

I read on another board that the player who was hit by the stick had attempted to hit the other player in the same manner first and missed. Neither of these boys is role model material IMO. I hope the player who was hurt recovers quickly and that both of them get some disciplinary action taken against them.

[talkingcanes]

much of this is a rehash of the previous article. I don't like the idea of police involvement in this any more than I did with Bertuzzi. It is a slippery slope IMO.

Perezhogin suspended indefinitely

TSN.ca Staff/CP Files
5/1/2004

Montreal Canadiens' prospect Alexander Perezhogin has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the American Hockey League after a stick swinging incident in Hamilton on Friday night. The league will likey hand down a more definitive punishment on Monday after further reviewing the incident.

Criminal charges are also a possibility.

Cleveland Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford was taken to hospital after Perezhogin hit him in the head with a baseball-style swing of his stick. Stafford lay bleeding and convulsing on the ice after the hit. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for a grade three concussion and facial lacerations. Stafford was later released and was scheduled to head back to Cleveland.

``I've been doing hockey my whole life and I've never seen anything like it,'' said enraged Barons coach Roy Sommer, who talked about an NHL incident in 2000 when Marty McSorley hit Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.

``That makes the McSorley-Brashear thing look like girl scouts.''

Sommer said he hopes Perezhogin is punished to the full extent possible.

``I don't think this guy should ever play again in North America,'' he said. ``That's a travesty.

``I saw it on tape ... and it's even worse on tape.''

To be fair, the tape also shows that Perezoghin's swing may have been in made retaliation. During the play in question, Stafford and Perezoghin fell to the ice in front of the net. While rolling over to get up, Stafford appeared to take a swing at Perezhogin with his stick. Stafford's stick missed Perezhogin, flashing just over his head. Perezhogin then turned and swung his stick at Stafford.

He didn't miss.

Hamilton police Staff Sgt. Mike Campbell confirmed he had sent an investigator to Copps Coliseum to investigate. This does not mean that a complaint has been filed, or that charges will be laid, Campbell said.

In March, Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the NHL regular season and playoffs for attacking Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore from behind.

Vancouver police have finished their investigation in that case and it is now up to the Crown to decide whether to lay charges.

Perezhogin was the Canadiens' first round pick, 25th overall, in the 2001 draft. He signed a three-year deal with Montreal in 2003 and was assigned to Hamilton for his first year of pro hockey in North America. In 77 games with the Bulldogs, he scored 23 goals and 27 assists for 50 points. He also had 52 penalty minutes.

The 20-year-old Russian is considered to be one of the Canadiens' top prospects.

Stafford, a 24-year-old from Los Angeles, is also playing his first professional season after signing a free agent deal with the San Jose Sharks following four standout years with the University of New Hampshire.

The defenceman had an excellent rookie year in Cleveland, scoring 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points. He had 71 penalty minutes. Stafford was named as a member of the AHL All-Rookie Team and the AHL Second All-Star Team. The Los Angeles, California native also appeared in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Game and was named the January AHL Rookie of the Month.

[talkingcanes]

much of this is a rehash of the previous article. I don't like the idea of police involvement in this any more than I did with Bertuzzi. It is a slippery slope IMO.

Perezhogin suspended indefinitely

TSN.ca Staff/CP Files
5/1/2004

Montreal Canadiens' prospect Alexander Perezhogin has been suspended indefinitely without pay by the American Hockey League after a stick swinging incident in Hamilton on Friday night. The league will likey hand down a more definitive punishment on Monday after further reviewing the incident.

Criminal charges are also a possibility.

Cleveland Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford was taken to hospital after Perezhogin hit him in the head with a baseball-style swing of his stick. Stafford lay bleeding and convulsing on the ice after the hit. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for a grade three concussion and facial lacerations. Stafford was later released and was scheduled to head back to Cleveland.

``I've been doing hockey my whole life and I've never seen anything like it,'' said enraged Barons coach Roy Sommer, who talked about an NHL incident in 2000 when Marty McSorley hit Donald Brashear in the head with his stick.

``That makes the McSorley-Brashear thing look like girl scouts.''

Sommer said he hopes Perezhogin is punished to the full extent possible.

``I don't think this guy should ever play again in North America,'' he said. ``That's a travesty.

``I saw it on tape ... and it's even worse on tape.''

To be fair, the tape also shows that Perezoghin's swing may have been in made retaliation. During the play in question, Stafford and Perezoghin fell to the ice in front of the net. While rolling over to get up, Stafford appeared to take a swing at Perezhogin with his stick. Stafford's stick missed Perezhogin, flashing just over his head. Perezhogin then turned and swung his stick at Stafford.

He didn't miss.

Hamilton police Staff Sgt. Mike Campbell confirmed he had sent an investigator to Copps Coliseum to investigate. This does not mean that a complaint has been filed, or that charges will be laid, Campbell said.

In March, Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the NHL regular season and playoffs for attacking Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore from behind.

Vancouver police have finished their investigation in that case and it is now up to the Crown to decide whether to lay charges.

Perezhogin was the Canadiens' first round pick, 25th overall, in the 2001 draft. He signed a three-year deal with Montreal in 2003 and was assigned to Hamilton for his first year of pro hockey in North America. In 77 games with the Bulldogs, he scored 23 goals and 27 assists for 50 points. He also had 52 penalty minutes.

The 20-year-old Russian is considered to be one of the Canadiens' top prospects.

Stafford, a 24-year-old from Los Angeles, is also playing his first professional season after signing a free agent deal with the San Jose Sharks following four standout years with the University of New Hampshire.

The defenceman had an excellent rookie year in Cleveland, scoring 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points. He had 71 penalty minutes. Stafford was named as a member of the AHL All-Rookie Team and the AHL Second All-Star Team. The Los Angeles, California native also appeared in the 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Game and was named the January AHL Rookie of the Month.

[nccanes]

I agree it's a slippery slope, but it was a horrific hit (I'm sure someone can find the clip on the 'net eventually). I know we don't often (or like to) rehash Jesse's incident, but I believe he was charged and suspended for a year, and I think something similar will happen here (and should).

If this player took a similar swing (even if he missed) earlier, I question why he was still in the game.

Edit: okay, I see that the previous swing was during the same play. Dunno if I'd call them equal - too hard (for me) to tell with the quality of the clip I saw.

[nccanes]

I agree it's a slippery slope, but it was a horrific hit (I'm sure someone can find the clip on the 'net eventually). I know we don't often (or like to) rehash Jesse's incident, but I believe he was charged and suspended for a year, and I think something similar will happen here (and should).

If this player took a similar swing (even if he missed) earlier, I question why he was still in the game.

Edit: okay, I see that the previous swing was during the same play. Dunno if I'd call them equal - too hard (for me) to tell with the quality of the clip I saw.

[talkingcanes]

I have no problem with him being suspended a year, but I don't agree with police involvement. I believe the swing and miss by the player who was hit was just prior to getting hit. It was a retaliatory hit as I understand it from people who've seen the whole clip including the initial swing by the player who was hurt.

edit: the clip I saw wasn't very good quality either, but I did see a lot of sticks swinging through the air. they did say the injured player was already released from the hospital so that is good news.

[talkingcanes]

I have no problem with him being suspended a year, but I don't agree with police involvement. I believe the swing and miss by the player who was hit was just prior to getting hit. It was a retaliatory hit as I understand it from people who've seen the whole clip including the initial swing by the player who was hurt.

edit: the clip I saw wasn't very good quality either, but I did see a lot of sticks swinging through the air. they did say the injured player was already released from the hospital so that is good news.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, I saw the other player take the swing first. That entire exchange was an absolutely sickening thing to see. I thought it looked like he was having a seizure. Ugh.

You know, does anyone else remember Aebischer swinging his stick like a baseball bat at some San Jose player who was laying on the ice and, just luckily, hitting the ice between his legs? It wasn't his head but I bet he might have broken his leg had he made contact. I couldn't believe nothing came of that.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, I saw the other player take the swing first. That entire exchange was an absolutely sickening thing to see. I thought it looked like he was having a seizure. Ugh.

You know, does anyone else remember Aebischer swinging his stick like a baseball bat at some San Jose player who was laying on the ice and, just luckily, hitting the ice between his legs? It wasn't his head but I bet he might have broken his leg had he made contact. I couldn't believe nothing came of that.

[Anonymous]

http://user.fundy.net/ranold/Perezhogin.wmv

Here's the clip. The guy that ends up taking a stick to the face misses with a slash moments before...that was aimed RIGHT AT PEREZHOGIN'S HEAD. In watching the video, it is clear in my mind that the only place Stafford could have been aiming with his stick was at Perezhogin's head. It is a very high slash. That obviously does not make what Perezhogin did right, but it is simply luck that this is not the other way around and Stafford is the villian.

[Anonymous]

http://user.fundy.net/ranold/Perezhogin.wmv

Here's the clip. The guy that ends up taking a stick to the face misses with a slash moments before...that was aimed RIGHT AT PEREZHOGIN'S HEAD. In watching the video, it is clear in my mind that the only place Stafford could have been aiming with his stick was at Perezhogin's head. It is a very high slash. That obviously does not make what Perezhogin did right, but it is simply luck that this is not the other way around and Stafford is the villian.

[folgersnyourcup]

For some reason it logged me in as a guest...

http://user.fundy.net/ranold/Perezhogin.wmv

Here's the clip. The guy that ends up taking a stick to the face misses with a slash moments before...that was aimed RIGHT AT PEREZHOGIN'S HEAD. In watching the video, it is clear in my mind that the only place Stafford could have been aiming with his stick was at Perezhogin's head. It is a very high slash. That obviously does not make what Perezhogin did right, but it is simply luck that this is not the other way around and Stafford is the villian.

[folgersnyourcup]

For some reason it logged me in as a guest...

http://user.fundy.net/ranold/Perezhogin.wmv

Here's the clip. The guy that ends up taking a stick to the face misses with a slash moments before...that was aimed RIGHT AT PEREZHOGIN'S HEAD. In watching the video, it is clear in my mind that the only place Stafford could have been aiming with his stick was at Perezhogin's head. It is a very high slash. That obviously does not make what Perezhogin did right, but it is simply luck that this is not the other way around and Stafford is the villian.

[Lady J]

This is why men should be forced to play with Nerf sticks if they can only manage to behave like Krazy Kinder. ( is that the correct German term ? ;) )

[Lady J]

This is why men should be forced to play with Nerf sticks if they can only manage to behave like Krazy Kinder. ( is that the correct German term ? ;) )

[Night Train]

It's stuff like this that despite Grapes' objections, may lead to mandatory face shields.

[Night Train]

It's stuff like this that despite Grapes' objections, may lead to mandatory face shields.

[Anonymous]

I like to refere to them as anti-stupid shields. The arguments for not wearing them is ... oh lets see, It's uncomfortable, I can't see as well, condensation build up, and I'm percieved as less of a man if I wear one.

Lets see arguments for gaurd against blindness and other disfigurments to my eyes. I think the face/eye shields win on that one.

Kinda like condoms either wear it or suffer the consiquences ya buncha nancies.

[Anonymous]

I like to refere to them as anti-stupid shields. The arguments for not wearing them is ... oh lets see, It's uncomfortable, I can't see as well, condensation build up, and I'm percieved as less of a man if I wear one.

Lets see arguments for gaurd against blindness and other disfigurments to my eyes. I think the face/eye shields win on that one.

Kinda like condoms either wear it or suffer the consiquences ya buncha nancies.

[rkbrasse]

Thats it guest. You better stop stealing my posts or it is on.

[rkbrasse]

Thats it guest. You better stop stealing my posts or it is on.

[RIO]

Thats it guest. You better stop stealing my posts or it is on.


Hit him with your Nerf stick!! :evil:

[RIO]

Thats it guest. You better stop stealing my posts or it is on.


Hit him with your Nerf stick!! :evil:

[StJacquesFan25]

I know I am little late but I didn't see the clip but my brother told me about this and it reminds me of the whole Jesse Boulerice situation in the juniors....He did the same 2 handed swing of the stick and was in a whole lot of trouble I believe he was suspended for life or something like that.

[StJacquesFan25]

I know I am little late but I didn't see the clip but my brother told me about this and it reminds me of the whole Jesse Boulerice situation in the juniors....He did the same 2 handed swing of the stick and was in a whole lot of trouble I believe he was suspended for life or something like that.

[talkingcanes]

IMO, Stafford should have gotten more than 6 games.


Friday, May 7, 2004
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- An American Hockey League player was suspended Friday through the end of next season for a two-handed, stick-swinging attack on an opponent.

Hamilton Bulldogs forward Alexander Perezhogin, whose NHL rights belong to the Montreal Canadiens, received the longest suspension on record in AHL history. He'll miss the rest of this year's playoffs.

Perezhogin slammed his stick into Cleveland Barons defenseman Garrett Stafford's face during an April 30 playoff game in Hamilton, Ontario.

Stafford, on his knees when he was hit, fell to the ice in convulsions, blood gushing from a gash on his face. He needed 20 stitches and had a concussion.

The players' fight began when Stafford swung his stick at Perezhogin, striking the back of his helmet. Perezhogin responded with the baseball-like swing to Stafford's face.

Stafford was suspended for six games and will serve his suspension at the start of the next season because the Barons were eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs.

"While in my opinion the action of Mr. Stafford was clearly a contributing factor to the incident, the reaction by Mr. Perezhogin was indefensible in terms of both its nature and its real and potential consequences," AHL president David Andrews said.

[talkingcanes]

IMO, Stafford should have gotten more than 6 games.


Friday, May 7, 2004
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- An American Hockey League player was suspended Friday through the end of next season for a two-handed, stick-swinging attack on an opponent.

Hamilton Bulldogs forward Alexander Perezhogin, whose NHL rights belong to the Montreal Canadiens, received the longest suspension on record in AHL history. He'll miss the rest of this year's playoffs.

Perezhogin slammed his stick into Cleveland Barons defenseman Garrett Stafford's face during an April 30 playoff game in Hamilton, Ontario.

Stafford, on his knees when he was hit, fell to the ice in convulsions, blood gushing from a gash on his face. He needed 20 stitches and had a concussion.

The players' fight began when Stafford swung his stick at Perezhogin, striking the back of his helmet. Perezhogin responded with the baseball-like swing to Stafford's face.

Stafford was suspended for six games and will serve his suspension at the start of the next season because the Barons were eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs.

"While in my opinion the action of Mr. Stafford was clearly a contributing factor to the incident, the reaction by Mr. Perezhogin was indefensible in terms of both its nature and its real and potential consequences," AHL president David Andrews said.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, he received the longest suspension ever and he'll miss this year's playoffs......but how long exactly is the suspension?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, he received the longest suspension ever and he'll miss this year's playoffs......but how long exactly is the suspension?

[Canesluver]

This sentence confuses me:

Friday, May 7, 2004
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- An American Hockey League player was suspended Friday through the end of next season

It's says, "end of next season." Doesn't that mean the rest of the playoffs now and ALL of next year?

[Canesluver]

This sentence confuses me:

Friday, May 7, 2004
Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- An American Hockey League player was suspended Friday through the end of next season

It's says, "end of next season." Doesn't that mean the rest of the playoffs now and ALL of next year?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, that makes sense. Somehow I totally missed that first sentence, lol. Thanks!!

So, he gets the rest of this year and all of next year. I can live with that. But, I agree with TC....6 games wasn't enough for Stafford.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yeah, that makes sense. Somehow I totally missed that first sentence, lol. Thanks!!

So, he gets the rest of this year and all of next year. I can live with that. But, I agree with TC....6 games wasn't enough for Stafford.

[talkingcanes]

IIHF to decide if Perezhogin can play

Canadian Press
5/8/2004

PRAGUE (CP) - Alexander Perezhogin needs clearance from the International Ice Hockey Federation to play hockey in the Russian league or anywhere in Europe next season.

But his one-year suspension in the American Hockey League would not automatically be honoured by the IIHF.

``This player was signed by the Montreal Canadiens, under the NHL-IIHF agreement,'' IIHF spokesman Szymon Szemberg said Saturday at the men's world hockey championship. ``So if he returns to Russia, then he's a returnee under that agreement, which means his return ticket, so to speak, must go through the IIHF transfer system.

``Now if the AHL makes it clear to us that he's under suspension for a serious offence, the IIHF council would then decide whether or not he would be cleared to be re-admitted to European hockey.''

The AHL suspended the 20-year-old native of Kazakhstan for the remainder of the playoffs and the entire 2004-2005 season Friday for his stick-swinging attack on Cleveland Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford during a post-season game April 30.

While it's an AHL suspension, the IIHF regards Perezhogin as an NHLer playing in the minors, and therefore subject to the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement.

But that agreement does not force the IIHF to recognize AHL suspensions.

``We don't necessarily honour any suspensions laid down by the AHL,'' said Szemberg. ``But the IIHF does have a clause in its statutes and by-laws which clearly states that the player whose actions have been detrimental to hockey or to the reputation of hockey can be suspended by the IIHF council.''

There are factors that would help Perezhogin's case with the IIHF council. He has no previous history of violent behaviour and was provoked by Stafford before the incident.

That could sway the IIHF council towards clearing Perezhogin to play in the Russian league.

The IIHF council denied suspended NHL tough guy Marty McSorley from playing in England in 2000 following his stick-swinging incident with Donald Brashear.

Perezhogin's suspension is the longest ever handed down by the AHL, which also banned Stafford for six games for his role in the incident.

Perezhogin struck Stafford in the face with a two-handed, baseball-like swing during a playoff game April 30 in Hamilton.

Stafford had first swung his stick at Perezhogin and it glanced off the back of Perezhogin's helmet. Perezhogin retaliated with Stafford on his knees.

Stafford, 24, had convulsions on the ice and was rushed to hospital. He suffered a concussion and a 20-stitch gash. Perezhogin was assessed a match penalty and immediately suspended pending a league review. Stafford is not believed to have suffered any permanent injury.

Hamilton police are conducting a criminal investigation.

Perezhogin was Montreal's first pick, 25th overall, in the 2001 entry draft. He helped Russia win the 2003 world junior title in Halifax.

He was fourth among AHL rookies with 50 points in 77 games with the Bulldogs this season.

[talkingcanes]

IIHF to decide if Perezhogin can play

Canadian Press
5/8/2004

PRAGUE (CP) - Alexander Perezhogin needs clearance from the International Ice Hockey Federation to play hockey in the Russian league or anywhere in Europe next season.

But his one-year suspension in the American Hockey League would not automatically be honoured by the IIHF.

``This player was signed by the Montreal Canadiens, under the NHL-IIHF agreement,'' IIHF spokesman Szymon Szemberg said Saturday at the men's world hockey championship. ``So if he returns to Russia, then he's a returnee under that agreement, which means his return ticket, so to speak, must go through the IIHF transfer system.

``Now if the AHL makes it clear to us that he's under suspension for a serious offence, the IIHF council would then decide whether or not he would be cleared to be re-admitted to European hockey.''

The AHL suspended the 20-year-old native of Kazakhstan for the remainder of the playoffs and the entire 2004-2005 season Friday for his stick-swinging attack on Cleveland Barons defenceman Garrett Stafford during a post-season game April 30.

While it's an AHL suspension, the IIHF regards Perezhogin as an NHLer playing in the minors, and therefore subject to the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement.

But that agreement does not force the IIHF to recognize AHL suspensions.

``We don't necessarily honour any suspensions laid down by the AHL,'' said Szemberg. ``But the IIHF does have a clause in its statutes and by-laws which clearly states that the player whose actions have been detrimental to hockey or to the reputation of hockey can be suspended by the IIHF council.''

There are factors that would help Perezhogin's case with the IIHF council. He has no previous history of violent behaviour and was provoked by Stafford before the incident.

That could sway the IIHF council towards clearing Perezhogin to play in the Russian league.

The IIHF council denied suspended NHL tough guy Marty McSorley from playing in England in 2000 following his stick-swinging incident with Donald Brashear.

Perezhogin's suspension is the longest ever handed down by the AHL, which also banned Stafford for six games for his role in the incident.

Perezhogin struck Stafford in the face with a two-handed, baseball-like swing during a playoff game April 30 in Hamilton.

Stafford had first swung his stick at Perezhogin and it glanced off the back of Perezhogin's helmet. Perezhogin retaliated with Stafford on his knees.

Stafford, 24, had convulsions on the ice and was rushed to hospital. He suffered a concussion and a 20-stitch gash. Perezhogin was assessed a match penalty and immediately suspended pending a league review. Stafford is not believed to have suffered any permanent injury.

Hamilton police are conducting a criminal investigation.

Perezhogin was Montreal's first pick, 25th overall, in the 2001 entry draft. He helped Russia win the 2003 world junior title in Halifax.

He was fourth among AHL rookies with 50 points in 77 games with the Bulldogs this season.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

This IIHF thing makes me wonder.....he's suspended from the AHL but does that mean he can't come up and play with the Canadiens in the NHL?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

This IIHF thing makes me wonder.....he's suspended from the AHL but does that mean he can't come up and play with the Canadiens in the NHL?