Colts Forward Rinaldo Suspended 12 Games
Published on March 24, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Barrie Colts News Release
Barrie, ON- The Barrie Colts have announced today that forward Zac Rinaldo has been suspended by the Ontario Hockey League for the next 12 games.
The OHL announced the suspension on Tuesday afternoon, citing that Rinaldo hit Wolves forward Marcus Foligno while Foligno was in a vulnerable position, and as a result, Rinaldo will be suspended for 12 games.
The play happened in the second period of game three of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Sunday night at the Barrie Molson Centre.
Rinaldo was not the only player to be given a suspension. Sudbury Wolves Jared Staal and Kain Allicock were both given five game suspensions for separate incidents that occurred on ice in game three.
Allicock was suspended five games after a vicious attack on Colts captain Stefan Della Rovere. Allicock had to be restrained by the officials and was given a game-misconduct.
It has been reported by some media outlets, on both the regional and national level, that a racial slur by Della Rovere brought on the attack. In fact, there is no foundation that any type of racial comment was made. It is the position of the Barrie Colts that no such comment was ever made and the incident was one of frustration during a heated game.
"We are concerned that some media have chosen to report on the incident without any foundation of fact. We are talking about a young man's reputation and career here," stated Jim Payetta, Co-owner of the Barrie Colts.
"Any playoff hockey game can get heated and there is always a certain level of talk on the ice between opposing players. Stefan Della Rovere is not only a top quality player; he is a top quality person who has represented the Barrie Colts and our country well, in two appearances at the World Junior Tournament. He receives lots of media attention and always handles himself in a professional manner. It is unfortunate that some sensationalism has been applied to the incident in question. The league has ruled on the issues of the game, resulting in suspensions to Staal and Allicock of Sudbury and our player, Zac Rinaldo. We accept the leagues rulings and now want to focus on the rest of the series and the rest of the playoffs," added Payetta.
The Colts will try to wrap up their first-round series tonight in Sudbury at 7:30 p.m.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2010
- Spirit Fall to Rangers 4-1 - Playoff Series Stands at Three Games to One - Saginaw Spirit
- Luke Judson and Shawn Lalonde Recognized in OHL Coaches Poll - Belleville Bulls
- OHL Announces 2009-10 Eastern Conference Coaches Poll Winners - OHL
- Home Game Three Tickets Now On Sale - Kingston Frontenacs
- Colts Forward Rinaldo Suspended 12 Games - Barrie Colts
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