Controversy seems to follow John Tortorella like a bad smell. And more times than not it’s self administered.
Yesterday we reported that Torts’ Vancouver Canucks were involved in a brawl with their bitter rivals the Calgary Flames and that he unsurprisingly, was in the middle of it.
Well according to Sportsnet the NHL has moved quickly to punish the fiery coach for his actions.
The NHL suspended Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella without pay for 15 days and six games on Monday for his conduct after a brawl between his team and the Calgary Flames.
Tortorella went to Calgary’s locker room at intermission following the first period Saturday night, which began with a handful of fights and four game misconducts per team.
The NHL released this statement after handing down the suspension:
“Mr. Tortorella’s actions in attempting to enter the Calgary Flames locker room after the first period were both dangerous and an embarrassment to the league,” NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in announcing the suspension. “Coaches in the NHL bear the responsibility of providing leadership, even when emotions run high, and Mr. Tortorella failed in his responsibility to the game.”
Oh Torts, don’t ever stop being you. Check the confrontation out here: