Thunder, Oilers fined, suspended for March 16th brawl
April 2, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Central Hockey League (CHL) today suspended Thunder defenseman Rob McCaig for the entire 2002-03 CHL season.
McCaig, a nine-year veteran, received the one-year ban for initiating physical contact with a fan late in the third period of Wichita's season finale at the Amarillo Rattlers on Sunday, March 17th. McCaig was issued a game misconduct for the incident.
"There is no justification for becoming involved with fans regardless of the scope of instigation by those fans", said CHL Director of Hockey - Compliance Rod Pasma. "The onus is placed on the coach and the players to not become involved with fans who may become antagonistic."
A native of Innisfail Alberta, McCaig picked up four points and 140 penalty minutes in 28 games for the Thunder this past season. In 353 career pro games, the 30-year-old McCaig has picked up a whopping 2140 penalty minutes.
The CHL today also announced fines and suspensions to several Thunder and Tulsa Oilers players for their part in a first period brawl on Saturday, March 16th at Tulsa, the second to last game of the season. Thunder enforcer John Hewitt was suspended for a total of eight games, seven of which must be served during the 2002-03 season. Hewitt received the suspension for leaving the bench to join an altercation.
The Oilers received the brunt of the suspensions, with Tulsa enforcer Dallas Anderson receiving a 12-game suspension, 11 of which must also be served next season. Anderson was deemed the instigator and the "main antagonist" of the altercation, which resulted in 156 penalty minutes and the ejection of nine players. Tulsa defenseman Tim Donnelly was also suspended for the first six games of next season for leaving the bench to join an altercation, while defenseman Cam Werfelman received and already served a one-game suspension.
Thunder head coach Jim Latos and Tulsa head coach Gary Unger also received hefty fines from the CHL for allowing players to join the fight from the bench.
In CHL playoff action, Doug Shedden's Memphis RiverKings lead the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2-0 in the best-of-seven Northern Conference Finals. In the Southern Conference, the Austin Ice Bats await the winner of tonight's game between the Odessa Jackalopes and the El Paso Buzzards.
Season ticket packages for 2002-03 are on sale now, starting at just $120. For more information, contact the Thunder office at 264-GOAL or visit our website at www.wichitathunder.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2002
- Another third period deficit, another win for the El Paso Buzzards - El Paso Buzzards
- Thunder, Oilers fined, suspended for March 16th brawl - Wichita Thunder
- Scorps captain moves behind the bench - New Mexico Scorpions
- Blair Manning Makes Impression in Debut with Utah - San Antonio Iguanas
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