Yesterday, the WHL made a significant announcement, suspending 19-year-old forward Alex Edwards of the Victoria Royals for a whopping 25 games. This decision stems from a reckless hit from behind on Dexter Whittle of the Everett Silvertips.
Here's the hit in question:
And here's the immediate aftermath:
The hit resulted in Whittle being hospitalized. The Silvertips announced that he will make a full recovery but will be absent from the lineup for an indefinite period with no return date set.
The Silvertips released a statement expressing their support: "Our thoughts are with Dexter and his family during this difficult time," as reported by Victoria's Times Colonist newspaper.
Notably, this is not Edwards' first suspension in the WHL. Last season, he served two suspensions, a factor that the WHL considered in this judgment.
The WHL explained its decision:
"In addition to the severity of Edwards' actions, other key factors considered in the decision include the severe injury to the opponent on the play and the fact Edwards is a repeat offender."
The Royals have chosen not to appeal the suspension.