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“What an absolute joke”: Hockey analyst calls for suspension of Ben Harpur for intentionally injuring Felix Sandstrom in AHL game
It was nothing short of a stunning incident that took place during a recent American Hockey League matchup between the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers) and the Rochester Americans (AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres).
Wolf Pack defenseman Ben Harpur earned himself an ejection from the game after he intentionally charged into Americans goaltender Felix Sandstrom. He was immediately whistled for a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.
Analyst Jesse Granger, who works for the Vegas Golden Knights for The Athletic and NHL Network, said that Harpur needs to be suspended for as long as Sandstrom is out with injury.
"What an absolute joke of a play this is. Suspend this guy for as long as the goalie is out," he exclaimed on X.
Fans react to NHL analyst post
Additionally, many social media users agreed with him and even took it a step further.
"Why stop there?" One fan wondered.
"Nah, longer. Matter of fact just make it a one way suspension, can't be doing that," another user opined.
"I wish discipline didn't have to be tied to how long a guy may be out for, but I understand the sentiment. He should be suspended for a while," another fan added.
"Match penalty and double-digit suspension," One fan wrote.
"Uncalled for and unsportsmanlike - there’s no place for this in Hockey," another fan added.
The game, which took place on November 8, resulted in a 6-3 Americans victory. It wouldn't be long before Harpur did, in fact, receive punishment from the AHL for his actions against Sandstrom.
The American Hockey League suspended Ben Harpur for four games
Harpur was suspended for a total of four games, meaning that he won't be able to play in the Wolf Pack's upcoming matchups on November 10, 15, 16 and 19. He can return to the ice when his team faces the Springfield Thunderbirds on November 23.
Harpur was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators with the 108th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. In July 2019, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the package that brought Connor Brown and Nikita Zaitsev back to the Senators.
After being waived and sent back down to the minors, he was traded to the Nashville Predators in February of 2020. Later signed to a professional tryout by the Wolf Pack, he soon earned a contract with the Rangers for two years and $1.575 million. He's appeared in 198 total NHL games, scoring twice while adding 19 assists.
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