Vancouver Canuck veteran Todd Bertutzi has been reinstated back into the NHL after being suspended for breaking the neck of Colorado Avalanche Steve Moore with a vicious and violent punch 17 months ago. The winger will most likely participate in the Olympics on behalf of Canada this February 2006 as well. And, though it may seem dramatic that Steve Moore feels that he was hammered again with another cheap-shot from behind, he is not happy that Bertuzzi will be back playing while he continues to cope with a potentially career-ending injury.

"[Moore] is very disappointed. Given that he’s unable to resume his NHL career and may never resume his NHL career, it’s disappointing to see that Mr. Bertuzzi is able to resume his career at this time.” said his lawyer Tim Danson. “Steve is still facing some significant challenges. He’s got some big health issues.”

The incident on March 8, 2004 resulted in the suspension of Todd Bertuzzi for the final 13 regular-season games of the 2003-2004 season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was also prohibited from playing in the last two world championships and was also excluded from playing in the European leagues during the last NHL lockout.

As for his Criminal record, Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm in December of 2004. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and 1 year probation. His suspension cost him over $500,000 (all figures U.S.) and other $350,000 in endorsements.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have already received a request from Hockey Canada that Bertuzzi be on hand for Team Canada’s Olympic training camp next week in Vancouver and Kelowna.

"I’m glad the NHL has finally stepped in and put him back in the game and reinstated him” Wayne Gretzky, Team Canada’s executive director, told TSN.

"Nobody condones what Todd did. I’m sure he’d be the first one to tell you it was a mistake.”

Bertuzzi is due to make 5.27 million from the Canucks this season.


Written By: Phat Hobo
Proofread By: Morkeleb the Black
Coded By: Nibel