Downie Demoted
It’s not surprising but Steve Downie got sent down to the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) by the Flyers after his nasty hit on Ottawa’s Dean McAmmond over a week ago. He was suspended by the NHL for 20 games.
The demotion makes Downie automatically ineligible to play for the Phantoms, although an AHL spokesman said Friday that the league could review the case.
Downie had an opportunity to make the Flyers’ roster, and his NHL debut, after forwards Scottie Upshall, R.J. Umberger and Joffrey Lupul sustained injuries.
If Downie had started the season with the Flyers and served the full 20 games, he would have been eligible to return Nov. 23 against Washington. The next night, the Flyers face the Senators.
He will forfeit US$63,101.60 in salary.
Downie recorded a goal and 17 penalty minutes in four pre-season games for the Flyers.
Philadelphia’s first round pick (29th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Downie recorded 35 goals and 57 assists for 92 points and 124 penalty minutes in 45 regular season games for the OHL’s Peterborough Petes and Kitchener Rangers last season.
Downie helped Canada capture last year’s world junior hockey championship in Sweden.
After watching that hit over and over again, I think it was preventable. He should have known better.
Tags: steve downie, philadelphia phantoms, philadelphia flyers, dean mcammond
3 opinions for Downie Demoted
Lauren
Oct 1, 2007 at 12:17 am
Yup. He had it coming. Why would you do that on your big NHL debut? Stupid.
GerriG
Oct 2, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I am with you Lauren, what was he thinking?? $63 000 dollars is a lot of money, But I guess when you can make more,whats a pittling $63 thousand dollars..
Joshy 79
Oct 2, 2007 at 9:18 pm
awsome
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