Re: the manslaughter case, I've read a decent amount on the incident. From what I understand it was a HS rugby game, Cizikas was 16, Castillo was 15. Castillo had Cizikas in a headlock from behind, Cizikas grabbed him by the legs and drove his head into the ground, killing him. It wasn't a tackle, it was off to the side of a ruck. It seems a little unclear exactly how Castillo died, whether it was pure head injuries or a broken neck, or if the fact that Castillo had sustained a concussion earlier in the season had anything to do with it. The judge ruled that he used excessive force, I think he actually was convicted of manslaughter, but given a light scentence (community service and probation). Since the judge ruled that he used excessive force, it seems safe to assume that it wasn't a run of the mill rugby play, but at the same time I'm sure Cizikas didn't mean to hurt Castillo badly, never mind kill him. The fact that Castillo's parents don't blame Cizikas means IMO that we probably shouldn't either. An absolutely terrible tragedy for Manny Castillo's family, certainly many lives have been permanently altered, but to me it sounds like more of a bad/overly aggressive split-second decision by Cizikas, not a truly malicious act. In hockey terms, more like if someone was killed by a hit from behind than someone being killed by a truly malicious act like a McSorley on Brashear type slash to the head.
As for his game, seemed to be a solid all around player when I've seen him at the WJCs and with the Majors. Doesn't stand out as an offensive star, but maybe I haven't been looking closely enough, and he's certainly not inept offensively. Definitely has a very good all around game, strong defensively and on the PK, and plays an active, physical game. Seems like he should make a good 3rd liner in the NHL, possibly with 2nd line upside depending on who you ask.
