Minor League Suspends It's Most Popular Player After Major Controversy

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Dawson McKenzie
January 16, 2024 (12:27)

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The Federal Prospects Hockey League has just taken swift action against this popular player, sending a message to the entire league about expectations for how the game will be played.

Amesbury Suspended Indefinitely For Repeat Suspensions

The game of hockey is changing, there is no doubt about that. What was once a game of nearly pure toughness has morphed into a highly skilled, fast-paced game that, while still involving a level of toughness, is much less violent. Many leagues, as a result, are working to eliminate some of the pure violent plays that used to be okay in hockey.

That includes the FPHL. They have just moved to indefinitely suspend the noted enforcer Daniel Amesbury for repeated suspensions. Here is the ruling they laid down recently.

"Effective immediately, the FPHL has decided to place Daniel Amesbury on an Indefinite Suspension from the league. He will no longer be allowed to participate in any practices or on ice functions at any capacity with any team in the FPHL. This decision has come after much discussion over the past few weeks with members of our league Board of Governors, attorney's, & FPHL Staff. The leagues dedication to improving player safety comes first and foremost. The FPHL has the right to deny any personnel from participating in FPHL games if its deemed in the best interest of the league."

Fine Line Between Toughness and Violence in Hockey

As the game has continued to evolve, leagues are doing their best to find the line between pure violence for the sake of it, and toughness that makes hockey the sport that it is. Eliminating fighting from junior hockey leagues is a good step since it is young players putting their bodies on the line. However, fighting will always be a part of hockey, so removing it from the professional game may not be the hill to die on for many leagues.

As the game continues to evolve, there are fewer and fewer roster spots for pure enforcers anyway, since the game has gotten so skilled. It is always evolving, and most of the time that is for the better.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "FPHL suspends most popular player indefinitely following discussions in recent weeks"