| Cincinnati
Stingers goalie Michel Dion received just slightly more than a slap on the wrist from the
World Hockey Association Sunday when the league suspended Dion for two games and fined him
$350. The penalties were the result of Dion's action in the game against the Racers in
Indianapolis last Monday. Following a dispute goal, the young goaltender threw his stick,
tossed both his gloves at referee Ron Harris and then went after Harris, landing a blow. "I think the league took the circumstances into consideration,"
said Dion, who indicated he had expected a suspension but felt the league would not be too
heavy-handed. I think they realized I was under pressure, and I think Harris gave me a
break when he wrote his report," Dion said. "I don't like being suspended, but I
have to go along with the league."
Among the pressures Dion referred to was a summons handed him by
deputy sheriff just before the start of the game in Indy. The summons dealt with payment
of a loan to the Indiana National Bank, one-time owner of the Racers. Stinger coach
Jacques Demers said he felt the suspension was a fair one. He did go after the referee,
but I feel the league took into account that Dion had never had any incident in two
previous seasons. This was the first time he had been in any trouble with an
official."
The Stingers, knowing Dion would be suspended, bought a little
insurance Saturday night when they signed Paul Hoganson to a contract for the remainder of
the season. Hoganson in his third stint with the Stingers, is well known to Demers. After
being traded to Indy last year, Hoganson helped Demers Racers eliminate Cincinnati from
the WHA playoffs.
Dion will miss the upcoming games in Edmonton Wednesday and Winnipeg
Friday. Demers said he would use Hoganson against the Oilers and might come back with the
veteran goalie against the Jets. "I'll have to see how things go," said the
Stingers coach. "If Hogy looks good W ednesday I may come back with him Friday. We've
tried out two other goaltenders (Dion and LaPointe) and the Jets came up big, so I'd like
to give Hogy a chance." |
