CrashingTheGoalie

The play-by-play went like this:

“The check, along the right-wing boards near the faceoff circle, saw [Manitoba Dman Mike] Funk readying to move the puck out of his zone. He made the play and took the hit, a rising blow that contained elbow, forearm and at the end, stick, and also included the new, popular move among the heavy checkers, the subtle kick with the legs.

Referee Shaun Davis could have called many infractions. Instead, he chose the green light for [Dallas forward] Gazdic.”

Mike Funk finished his shift and left the ice.

“A couple of minutes later, no gloves and no stick in hand, he skated from the Moose bench across the ice and off, with a foggy look on his face and barely able to keep himself on his skates.”

This was Funk’s third concussion in 14 months.

Last season might have been his breakout year, but he missed the first nine games after suffering his first concussion in training camp. Then he was cross checked from behind into the boards by Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela. This was his second concussion of the season and he didn’t play until this last training camp.

Buffalo had passed on re-signing Funk and the Canucks thought that they would try and replenish their depleted D (profile).

Things had been working out well for Funk and he was one of Manitoba’s top two Dmen.

How bad is the concussion?

Is this the beginning of the end of his hockey career, or just a setback?

Lawrence Nycholat, who was also hit by a questionable check should be returning to the Moose lineup soon.

The NHL owners are looking at questionable hits this week. The AHL owners should do the same.