In a troubled turn of events, a junior hockey player from Edmonton has been involuntarily sidelined from his league for nearly a month and a half. The penalization stems from a “kicking motion” which resulted in an unfortunate and serious injury to the player’s game competitor. The ravaged and ruptured neck region of Richie Compo was the result of this act, which led to his immediate and urgent transport to the hospital on September 27. The incident occurred against the backdrop of an electrifying game at the Castle Downs Recreation Centre in north Edmonton.
Nate Plaunt, a player from the South West Zone Oil Kings, faced the brunt of the fallout as he was given a match penalty, with only 57 seconds remaining in the game. The responding official of the night noted in the incident report that Plaunt was indicted for “deliberately kicking” his rival in the “neck/face area.” As a direct consequence, an automatic three-game suspension was in order.
Upon further scrutiny, the league took the joint decision last Friday determining that although a “kicking motion” was executed by Plaunt, he was exempted from intent to inflict harm on Compo. The league further emphasized upon players, the necessity of personal safety and responsibility while utilizing their equipment.
“Though the kick wasn’t intentional, players are expected to exercise caution. Resultant to this event, the discipline committee has decided to suspend Nate Plaunt for eight games,” rendered NJHL president Chris Hurley.
Despite the erratic circumstances, the quick response of the trainers proved critical, potentially saving Richie’s life. Nevertheless, Richie’s parents harbor resentment against the league’s ruling, arguing that a deliberate kick warrants the classification of a violent act. The parents have proceeded to file an assault complaint with the Edmonton Police Service, pending investigation.
According to the league’s timetable, Plaunt would be eligible to resume play on November 16; although, no comment surfaced from the South West Zone Oil Kings when asked to weigh in.
Richie, who was guarded by a neck guard and helmet cage during the incident, is reportedly in “good spirits” as per his parents. His road to recovery is yet to be pinned down with a date, but in his father’s words, “Knowing him, as soon as he can.”
Psychological trauma accompanies Richie’s physical injuries, making his neck movement arduous. While Richie hopes to return before his finale season in junior concludes, the lack of an apology from Plaunt at the league hearing transmitted mixed sentiment. Stating that Plaunt was “there but not really there,” he leaves the incident behind him, hoping to recover timely and entirely, a sentiment echoed by the Noralta Junior Hockey League.
