Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 19, 1990 TAG: 9003192501
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Michael C. Martin, a fan at the game, said Sunday he "was knocked down" and sustained a "a big red bruise and a swollen leg" after being struck by a hockey stick thrown into the stands by Greensboro player Boyd Sutton.
"My leg is hurt pretty bad," Martin said. "But the main reason I filed the warrant was because I've got a 17-month baby boy I bring to a lot of the games, and if that stick would have hit him, it could have him killed yet.
"I wanted to do something to keep it from maybe happening again."
Martin's warrant sought assault charges against Greensboro's John Sullivan, not Sutton.
Martin, who was leaving the rink when he was struck, said he was misinformed about which player hurled the stick. He said he will go to the Vinton magistrate's office today and attempt to re-file a warrant, citing Sutton.
The second assault warrant, filed by Greensboro player Doug Brown, named Virginia Lancers coach Dave Allison.
A Greensboro team official said Brown alleged Allison kicked him in the face during the melee.
Reacting Sunday, Allison said: "I never kicked Brown. All I did was grab him. If Brown thought I kicked him, then subpoena me. This is a joke."
ECHL Commissioner Pat Kelly said Sunday that he has postponed a final summation of possible fines and suspensions regarding the incident until today.
"I wanted all the parties involved to get a chance to file a complete report with me," Kelly said. "Then, I will look at the videotape [in the] morning and make a decision."
The melee broke out after Dan Richards scored a short-handed goal to give the Lancers a 5-4 victory in double overtime and tie the best-of-five playoff series at 1-1.
As both teams headed for the dressing rooms, Virginia goaltender Steve McKichan skated toward Greensboro goalie Dick Vitucci. McKichan pointed his stick at Vitucci in a taunting fashion. After exchanging words, Vitucci dropped his gloves first, the two goalies came together and traded punches.
Meanwhile, Allison said he was cross-checked from behind by Brown and knocked to the ice.
As the fracas developed, several Lancers fans climbed the plexiglass surrounding the rink and began to shout obscenities at the Greensboro players. The fans showered several Monarchs with beer, soft drinks and popcorn.
Soon thereafter, Sutton threw his stick into the stands, where it allegedly struck Martin and an unidentified 13-year-old boy.
The postgame melee was the second incident of the intense, action-filled playoff game.
With 18 seconds left in the second period, Greensboro defenseman John Blessman exchanged barbs with several Virginia fans standing in the runway near the visitors' locker room.
by CNB