27 Goals – 43 Assists – 1167 PIM’s = Suspension

Now we all know that playing hockey involves fighting at various levels and yes – even in minor.

Maybe not the real young ages but even at that level you get players that will slash, cross check or high stick the opposition with no call.

Why – well at the younger ages you often have young officials that are learning and are simply unsure what is or isn’t a penalty.

You can’t blame them as becoming an official takes far more than one or two seasons and quite often takes several.

The better one’s will admit when they don’t see an infraction or miss a call, but others don’t like any confrontation or discussion and I bet you can name some?

Players that play at high levels of the game quite often use their skill, while others often turn to fighting and/or dirty tactics to gain an advantage.

One such play is Tyler Barr of North Vancouver who has now been suspended for the remainder of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) season for spearing an opposing team’s forward.

Barr got his start with the Burnaby Express of the British Columbia Hockey League before bouncing around junior leagues with the Port Moody Black Panthers, Langley Chiefs, Merritt Centennials and Spruce Grove Saints.

The incident happened at 10:13 of the second period in a game between the Louisiana Ice-Gators and the Peoria Rivermen.

Barr plays for Louisiana and was assessed a Minor penalty for Charging, a Major and Game Misconduct for spearing Peoria’s Alec Hagaman in the face.

SPHL Vice President Doug Price stated “Mr. Barr’s actions in this game, along with his previous history that has resulted in three other suspensions this season, show a continued lack of respect and complete disregard for the safety of his opponents.”

He continued “As such, Mr. Barr has been suspended for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.”

Since turning to play at the pro level (2009) Barr has spent time with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, New Jersey Outlaws, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Texas Brahma, St. Charles Chill, Allen Americans and the Louisiana Ice Gators.

In 276 professional games, Barr has 27 goals, and 43 assists for 70 points with 1167 penalty minutes.

That’s a record to write home about?

Congrats to the League for taking such drastic action and one has to ask will someone appeal the suspension???

The officials have to be pleased as he is keeping them working, mind you too busy!!