Bobby Clarke's number one prospect...

[fix]

TSN.ca Staff

9/29/2005 2:22:24 PM

Philadelphia Flyers first round pick in the 2005 entry draft Steve Downie cross-checked a junior teammate in the mouth during practice.

According to a report in the Windsor Star, Downie came off the bench and cross-checked 16-year old Akim Aliu in the mouth, causing the Spitfires' 2005 top draft pick to lose three teeth.

Aliu and Downie reportedly fought twice in practice and Aliu, is unsure if he'll play in tonight's game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Aliu is 6'3", 209 pounds while Downie is 5'10 and 191-pounds.

The incident occurred on Wednesday after a drill that Aliu did not complete properly. The 18-year old Downie reportedly told Aliu to pick it up. Aliu then said something to Downie to cause him to come off the bench.



Aliu said Downie tapped him and when he turned around he was cross-checked.

Aliu's father is threatening to pull his son off the team.

"He (Downie) wants to kill my son," Aliu's father Tai Aliu told the Star Wednesday night. "If his life is not safe (in Windsor), I will take him home."

Spitfires head coach and general manager Moe Mantha said he was still looking into the matter.

"It's not the way I like a team to run," Mantha said. "It's not the way a team behaves."

Mantha told the Star that the two players had issues in recent weeks with Aliu saying he didn't like the way Downie treats rookies.

Neither player would comment to the paper about the details of Aliu's allegations.

Downie participated at Canadian junior team's training camp and is considered a strong candidate to make the team in December.

With files from the Windsor Star.

You've got to Rack Clarke for drafting a player in his own image...

[Cross Traffic]

What a prick, cross checking your own teammate? Downie bitter about how he was treated as a 16 year old and taking it out on the new rookie?

Spitfires head coach and general manager Moe Mantha said he was still looking into the matter.

Moe, what the hell is there to look at. Pretty clear as to who the troublemaker is.

[AcidQueen]

I bet Bobby's about spooging himself in glee right now. :roll:

[jiminphilly]

rack the new breed of broad street bullies..

[BSmack]

Aliu is 6'3", 209 pounds while Downie is 5'10 and 191-pounds.

Mmmmmm

Aliu's father is threatening to pull his son off the team.

"He (Downie) wants to kill my son," Aliu's father Tai Aliu told the Star Wednesday night. "If his life is not safe (in Windsor), I will take him home."

Sounds like this kid is one super pampered mommas boy. The kid has 5 inches and 20 LBS on the kid who beat him up. Do him a real favor and teach him how to defend himself.

[Cross Traffic]

Hard to defend yourself when someone blindsides and crosschecks you in the mouth.

[BSmack]

Hard to defend yourself when someone blindsides and crosschecks you in the mouth.

OK, and now that play is over. Daddy needs to STFU and let his kid grow up some. Or else he's going to be known as the guy whose daddy wouldn't let him play.

[Cross Traffic]

Found the REAL story behind the incident:

OHL suspends Windsor coach
Spitfires fined over hazing

Canadian Press

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

WINDSOR, Ont. -- Moe Mantha of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires has been suspended for one year as general manager and 25 games as coach for a hazing incident.

The Ontario Hockey League said the hazing occurred on the team bus Sept. 9 during a trip back from London for an exhibition game.

The incident involved "a small number of players being told to strip and stand in the washroom at the back of the bus by other players," the OHL said in a release Tuesday.

Mantha was banned for another 15 games as coach for fights at a team practice Sept. 28 involving players Akim Aliu and Steve Downie.

The Spitfires have also been fined $35,000 -- $25,000 for the hazing and $10,000 for the practice fights. The league maximum fine per incident is $25,000.

"I conclude that the lack of leadership and what transpired were dishonourable and prejudicial to the well-being of the league and its players," OHL commissioner David Branch said in a statement.

"The OHL has a zero tolerance policy against hazing, our member teams know that, and that is why it is imperative that the league make a strong statement against it," Branch added.

The OHL requires team to have posters in every team locker-room stating that anyone involved in hazing, or who doesn't report hazing, will be suspended.

Downie, a first-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers, has refused to rejoin the team since the practice incident and has demanded a trade.

An investigation by the Spitfires concluded that Downie cross-checked Aliu in the mouth, chipping two teeth, during the practice. After that incident, Aliu left the ice, only to return later to fight with Downie.

The Spitfires imposed a five-game suspension on Downie and the participation in a personal counselling program. Aliu, Windsor's first-round pick in 2005, received a one-game suspension and must also attend counselling sessions.

The OHL said its investigation included discussions with Spitfires owner Steve Riolo, as well as Mantha, two assistant coaches, two team trainers and 25 players.

You will not have that goofy grin behind the bench for a while, the best suspension should have been permanent expulsion from the league.