(left) Former Pioneer Geoff PaukovichFrom: Edmonton Sun
by Derek Van Diest
CAMROSE -- It was eerie similar for Geoff Paukovich.
Three years ago the Edmonton Oilers prospect hit an opponent from behind during an NCAA playoff game breaking his neck.
Last night he drilled Flames prospect Kyle Greentree from behind sending him off on a stretcher.
"Things happen pretty fast, I was just trying to be physical down low which is what I have to do to be successful," Paukovich said. "I have to make guys not want to play in their defensive zone.
"All I can say is I hope he's OK and he can come back and have a good camp with Calgary. There was no intent, I don't play the game trying to hurt people. I was just trying to play physical and it was just something that happened."
Paukovich, 22, received a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct as the Oilers rookies lost 1-0 to the Flames rookies last night at the Encana Arena in Camrose.
Greentree managed to eventually get up, but was placed on a gurney and taken to the hospital. There was no report on his status after the game.
"With Geoff, I thought he was pretty tight on him and when he made the turn, I thought he just finished him off," said coach Jeff Truitt, who was in charge of the Oilers last night. "I don't think it was anything vicious. He wasn't in a wide area off the boards or anything like that to make it a bad-looking hit.
"It was unfortunate and we hope (Greentree) is OK."
Three years ago while at the University of Denver, Paukovich drilled University of North Dakota defenceman Rob Bina from behind. He received a one-game suspension from the league and his coach tacked on another.
Bina missed the entire following season.
Ironically, Bina is also attending the Oilers rookie camp having signed a one-year minor league contract.
"That was three years ago, that was a different situation, a different set of circumstances and a different place," Paukovich said. "I know Rob and I have both put it behind us."
Three years ago the Edmonton Oilers prospect hit an opponent from behind during an NCAA playoff game breaking his neck.
Last night he drilled Flames prospect Kyle Greentree from behind sending him off on a stretcher.
"Things happen pretty fast, I was just trying to be physical down low which is what I have to do to be successful," Paukovich said. "I have to make guys not want to play in their defensive zone.
"All I can say is I hope he's OK and he can come back and have a good camp with Calgary. There was no intent, I don't play the game trying to hurt people. I was just trying to play physical and it was just something that happened."
Paukovich, 22, received a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct as the Oilers rookies lost 1-0 to the Flames rookies last night at the Encana Arena in Camrose.
Greentree managed to eventually get up, but was placed on a gurney and taken to the hospital. There was no report on his status after the game.
"With Geoff, I thought he was pretty tight on him and when he made the turn, I thought he just finished him off," said coach Jeff Truitt, who was in charge of the Oilers last night. "I don't think it was anything vicious. He wasn't in a wide area off the boards or anything like that to make it a bad-looking hit.
"It was unfortunate and we hope (Greentree) is OK."
Three years ago while at the University of Denver, Paukovich drilled University of North Dakota defenceman Rob Bina from behind. He received a one-game suspension from the league and his coach tacked on another.
Bina missed the entire following season.
Ironically, Bina is also attending the Oilers rookie camp having signed a one-year minor league contract.
"That was three years ago, that was a different situation, a different set of circumstances and a different place," Paukovich said. "I know Rob and I have both put it behind us."
7 comments:
once a cheap shot punk bitch always a cheap shot punk bitch.
Spoken by one who should know, eh?
2:18....when's the last time you were pimp slapped? Step on up and take your medicine, nutsack.
The bad part about the Bina hit was that Bina was touching up for a UND penalty and Paukovich laid him out. Not a good move. He should have been suspended much longer.
An unfortunate story and incident. Geoff's a tough kid and is best when he plays an aggressive and physical style, but I'm sure this the last thing he wants. Sounds like a much different situation and hit than what transpired with Bina. Unfortunately this does nothing to help put the Bina incident to rest. Hopefully it's nothing serious for the Calgary player.
Anon 4:46,
You may be right regarding Pauko's suspension, but that is water under the bridge. Ancient history. Time to move on.
I was watching the game. I watched the hit. It wasn't a cheap shot by any means. This was more one to chalk up to being an oversized meathead than anything else.
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