Video of Steve Downie's Referee Slash

During the past week, we've been updating you on the unfortunate situation in the AHL where Norfolk Admirals forward Steve Downie was ejected from a game for allegedly slashing a referee with his stick. Video of the "slash" has finally surfaced.



Well, this is certainly interesting. I'll be honest, given Downie's reputation and past behavior, I was extremely reluctant to give him the benefit of the doubt (I believe I called him "an idiot"). After finally seeing the video, I don't know what to think.

Yes, that's an extremely unorthodox -- and violent -- faceoff technique displayed by Downie. He certainly slashes at something. The question is: was he slashing at his opponent's stick, or did he intentionally take a cut at the referee's leg after a call went against Downie and the Admirals?

Only Downie knows the answer to that question, but this looks closer to Mike Butters' description of the events than John Walton's.

The AHL issued the mandatory 20-game suspension for physical abuse of an official on Thursday. Norfolk is currently appealing the suspension.

(H/T Puck Daddy)