Steve Downie In Trouble Again

by Kevy Fri Mar 06, 2009 2:30 pm

AHL SUSPENDS DOWNIE 20 GAMES FOR STRIKING OFFICIAL WITH STICK
(http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=269889&lid=sublink08&lpos=headlines_nhl)

Steve Downie is in trouble again.

The AHL has suspended the Norfolk Admirals' forward 20 games for deliberately striking an official with his stick.

Late in the third period of the Admirals' game against the Hershey Bears on February 28, Downie slashed linesman Mike Hamilton before a face-off. Downie was given a game misconduct at the time, and the AHL announced Thursday he was being suspended.

21-year-old Downie has developed a reputation for aggressive behaviour in his young career.

In 2007, before he even played his first regular season NHL game, Downie was suspended 20 games for elbowing Ottawa Senator Dean McAmmond in the head in a pre-season tilt.

This is not the first time the pesky forward has been suspended by the AHL either, having sat out three games for hitting an opponent from behind earlier this season.

He has already served three games of the current suspension, and should be eligible to return on April 11.

Downie was drafted 29th overall by the Flyers in 2005.

In 29 NHL games with the Flyers and the Lightning this season, Downie has three goals and three assists.