Sports

It was sort of a good news/bad news scenario concerning West Kelowna Warriors Josh Monk.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Warriors Josh Monk (with hand over face) was suspended three games for his part in this melee.

The 20-year-old defenceman was handed a three game suspension by the BC Hockey League for his part in a brawl during a pre-season game Friday against the Wenatchee Wild.

The melee began after Warriors captain Max French and Wenatchee netminder Robert Nichols collided while going after a loose puck in the faceoff circle.

Two players jumped on French and eventually everyone on the ice, except Warriors goaltender Tyler Briggs, became involved near the Wild net.

Monk received the penalty and subsequent suspension for the 'speed' and 'force' in which he entered the fray, from his position at the blueline.

Warriors head coach and general manager, Rylan Ferster says the suspension following a match penalty could have been worse.

While Monk has been suspended, the penalty will not come into effect until the Warriors home opener September 14 against the reigning RBC champion Penticton Vees.

That means Monk will be available to the Warriors for this weekend's Showcase event in Chilliwack.

"The league considers this weekend a special event and not the official start of the regular season," says Ferster in explaining the decision.

Monk does not have a college scholarship as he enters his final season of junior eligibility meaning he will be able to display his talents in front of what is expected to be several hundred college and pro scouts.

Ferster commended the league for taking their time to get the suspension right.

"The league did a good job."

Monk will be eligible to return to the Warriors line-up when they host the Trail Smoke Eaters.

The Warriors open the season in Chilliwack this weekend with games Saturday and Sunday afternoon against Salmon Arm and Surrey respectively.

Castanet will be in Chilliwack and will provide complete coverage of the Showcase event.