The Southern Hockey League has been taking a number of hits on its decision to postpone games from Nov. 3 on account of the effects of Hurricane Noel in the region. Heavy winds and rain and a safety warning from the RCMP all contributed to the decision made by SHL president Sheldon Currie.

“When the league makes a decision to postpone any games, it’s not something that happens on a whim or is made without exhausting every effort with our contacts,” said Currie. “Our first priority is the safety of our players and our fans. It’s easy to second guess a decision when it comes to postponing games. The possibility of weather creating an accident or injury on the roads would be a decision that would be second-guessed an awful lot more.” Currie understands the frustration of at least one club objecting to the decision.

“When it’s Saturday night and you’re anticipating a large crowd, I understand the frustration,” he said. “There was opportunity for discussion on the matter. The decision was made, I stand by that decision.”

Part of the fall out was a one game suspension to Black’s Harbour Silverkings’ head coach Meryl Stewart. Stewart was also fined $100 by Currie for inappropriate conduct during a telephone conversation with the president.

“Mr. Stewart had a difference of opinion which I fully respect, but his conduct was unbecoming a member of the SHL,” said Currie. “The executive of the SHL puts itself out there every day and none of our members should be subjected to hostility for a decision concerning the postponement of a hockey game. ”

The suspension and fine falls under the SHL’s Constitution by-law 4 under discipline which reads “The President shall have the power to discipline summarily any league member for conduct either on the ice or off the ice, that is deemed detrimental to the SHL, which shall include, but not be limited to violations of any CHA, HNB, NBSHC and the NBSHL Articles, Rules or By-laws, playing rule, regulation, or other bylaw or any CHA playing rule. Such discipline may include fines, suspensions, probation, letters of reprimand, forfeiture of performance bonds or a portion thereof, or any combination of the above.”

“All of the coaching staffs and managers of the SHL have a passion for the game otherwise they wouldn’t be involved,” Currie said. “There is a line, however, and we believe the matter has been dealt with. We’re moving on.”

Meanwhile, the league is back in action beginning Nov. 8 when the Hilltop Bud Lights host the Saint John Blackhawks in an 8 p.m,. outing at the York Arena. Fredericton allowed nine goals in an opening night home setback, but hopes to right the defensive shift in the Capital.

St. Stephen Seahawks are in Grand Bay-Westfield on Nov. 9 to meet the River Valley Rock in a 7:30 p.m. fixture. At the same time, the Nackawic Hawks welcome the Silverkings at the home of the world’s largest axe. The league remains busy Nov. 10 with River Valley visiting Black’s Harbour at 7:30 p.m. while the Hawks stay at home, meeting St. Stephen at 7:30 p.m.