A Suspension Could Be The Least Of Rypien's Worries

Everyone gets angry from time to time it’s human nature. When Rick Rypien got into a fight on Tuesday night with Wild forward Brad Staubitz the Canuck Centre was just doing his job.

The melee that ensued directly after the on ice scuffle was a complete display of un-professionalism from the Vancouver player, who’s made a name for himself as a middleweight pugilist. Once the fight between both players was finally broken up Rypien headed towards the Canucks dressing room clearly enraged, he then took his frustrations out on a Wild fan by shoving the spectator and shouting at him. This was a sign of a player who was out of control a man who crossed the line and forgot that he was a professional athlete.

The league obviously doesn’t take to kindly to this type of behavior and will severely discipline Rick Rypien. A meeting has been set for this Friday when the Canucks Brawler, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis and his Assistant GM Laurence Gilman, will face NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Senior Vice President Colin Campbell. Its expected that due to the nature of the incident Rypien could face at least a five game suspension.

The dark cloud looming over Rypiens’s head may actually be about to burst. James Engquist the 28-year-old Wild fan who was shoved by the angered Canuck player is taking legal action. Engquist told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that he’s "definitely seeking legal representation."

Engquist said to Star-Tribune hockey writer Michael Russo."This is a crazy incident. I’ve seen a lot of hockey in my day, and I’ve never seen someone actually come into the stands and assault a fan”.

James Engquist was at the game with his brother Peter the tickets were given to them by their Dad as a gift.

He also said. “I was just standing straight up applauding as he was getting kicked out," "He was out of control. And then I said, 'way to be professional,' and he obviously didn’t care for that comment and decided to grab me and almost dragged me over the rail. If my brother wasn’t grabbing me and the other player wasn't grabbing him, he probably would have dragged me over the edge."

Rypien has forged a career out of being the tough guy that’s how he earns his bread and butter. When a hockey fan goes to a game they expect to be entertained, at times the audience will get excited and raucous, some members of the crowed may engage in playful heckling or banter towards a player. As a member of a hockey club a player has a responsibility to his team, league and the reputation of the sport.

Hockey is an aggressive game, unfortunatly Rypien forgot to leave his aggression on the ice when he attacked a fan. At times anger gets the best of everybody, Rypien just chose the wrong time.

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