Friday, January 15, 2010

Kassian suspended; Kennedy resting

Windsor forward Zack Kassian has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL after earning a charging major in the Spits 4-2 loss to Barrie on Thursday.

And so the difficult season for the 6'3, 215-pound forward continues in a new role as spectator until the league can arrive at a defined sentence. After missing a month with a separated shoulder en route to accumulating a -18 in Peterborough, Kassian is for now missing a golden opportunity to get his development into the necessary groove with the reigning Memorial Cup champs.

Meanwhile Matt Kennedy, who received three staples in the back of his head and three stitches on his cheek, is heading home for some r&r after the brutal collision left the Eastern Conference All-Star without any recollection of getting drilled.

"I don't remember getting hit. I couldn't tell you what happened," the Barrie Colts overage forward said less than 24 hours after being crushed near centre ice by Windsor Spitfires forward Zack Kassian (and former Peterborough Petes' captain) during the second period of Thursday night's Ontario Hockey League game in Windsor.

Kassian, who was traded to Windsor on Sunday, appeared to leave his feet, and Kennedy did not appear to have control of the puck -- he was looking up for it -- when Kassian delivered the open-ice blow.

This is the second straight January that a Sabres forward prospect has been disciplined for an on-ice transgression following Corey Tropp's season ending stick incident a year ago. Tropp learned from his actions and has rebounded with a sparkling junior season at Michigan State that has him among the current favorites for the Hobey Baker award.