However, in the wake of an ugly hazing scandal at McGill, the Windsor incident drew enough negative media attention to persuade OHL Commissioner David Branch to suspend Spitfire coach Joe Mantha for 40 games as head coach and one year as the team’s general manager. No definite link between the hazing ritual on the Spitfires’ bus and the on-ice altercation between Downie and Aliu was ever officially determined. Captured by a cameraman, the fight was splashed across television screens nationwide and Downie was labeled as yet another disturbed athlete victimizing young rookies trying to defend their dignity. The altercation was allegedly instigated by the rookie’s refusal to take part in the team’s hazing rituals. However, it was Downie’s same passionate hot-headedness that, only two months earlier, had thrust him into the national media spotlight as a villainous Windsor Spitfire veteran exchanging punches with rookie Akim Aliu in practice.
#Steve downie skin
Columnists across the country raved about Downie’s intense determination, aggressive presence, and ability get under the skin of opponents. The 18-year-old Peterborough Pete became a nationally acclaimed poster boy for Canadian hockey after his impressive performance at the World Junior Championships earlier this month.
What does it take for a villain to become a hero? Perhaps Bertuzzi should have a chat with Steve Downie before packing his bags in February. If Todd Bertuzzi’s dominating physical presence helps guide Canada to a gold medal in Turin next month, how will our nation react to his success? How, hypothetically, will we respond if he fires a game-winning goal past a Russian netminder in the gold-medal game to secure our Olympic bragging rights for the next four years?
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