"Continuing with our spite line-up, the Tampa Bay FireSticks are in no way pleased to select
Steve Downie.
"Before being selected in the 1st round of the 2005 draft by the (sigh) Flyers, Downie had already built up a tarnished reputation. He was allegedly one of the principal instigators of mean-spirited, dehumanizing hazing practices as a member of the Windsor Spitfires, where he particularly targeted
Akim Aliu. When Mr. Aliu refused to strip naked on the team bus, Mr. Downie broke several of his teeth with a hockey stick. The two fought at a Spitfires practice, for which Mr. Downie was suspended for 5 games by the OHL and subsequently demanded a trade out of Windsor.
"As a member of the Flyers, Mr. Downie wasted little time in demonstrating his disregard for the safety of others. In a 2007 exhibition game, he blindsided Senators' centre Dean McAmmond. Mr. McAmmond was taken from the ice on a stretcher.
"Two years later, Mr. Downie added to his suspension history with another 20-game ruling as a member of the Norfolk Admirals for slashing an official. Although there are conflicting reports of Mr. Downie's intent and whether he missed the stick of a linesman, it is obvious his reputation did him no favours. He managed to play 462 NHL games, amassing 213 points and 1111 penalty minutes. All success that Team Canada enjoyed with him in the uniform will always be tainted in our eyes."
Over to you,
@BigToe!
