Ben Blood regretted Eemeli Suomen’s injury.
Ben Blood watched from the sidelines as the referees reviewed the tackle on video. That was the end of the Pelicans player’s game. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Saturday’s SC league semi-final match between Pelicans and Ilves saw a sad situation, when the captain of the team from Tampere Eemeli Finland was injured after hitting the rink wall behind the goal.
Finland carried the puck and tried to get away from the Pelicans defender From Ben Blood. The Pelicans player gave Finland, who had slowed down in front, the pace towards the wall of the rink and received a shower command from the referees as a punishment.
Finland did not continue in the match, which the Pelicans won 3–2. The match series is tied 1–1.
That same evening, the League’s disciplinary team announced that it would start further proceedings. It could mean a ban for one or more matches for Blood. A disciplinary delegation can also let Blood go with impunity.
The injured Eemeli Suomi was taken to the locker room. Tomi Natri / All Over Press
Blood gave his opinion on the violent situation on Twitter. In his opinion, Finland caused its own unfortunate injury by its own actions.
– He fell. There was nothing I could do to avoid the collision. It was an unfortunate and frightening accident. I hope he’s okay, Blood wrote.
The Lion Legend Teemu Selänne also took a stand and defended Blood.
– I completely agree with Benny. I don’t know why he (Suomi) tried to stop. I hope he’s ok, Selänne answered to Blood’s tweet.
Selänte’s comment was on Blood’s mind.
– 20 years of experience at the top of the sport. One of the most respected players of all time. No ties to me or Finland. An independent mediator, Blood underlined his supporter’s position in the debate.
The SM league’s disciplinary delegation has not yet published its decision. There is enough time for processing, as Ilves and Pelicans will not play again until Thursday.