The Frozen Fighting Phenom: Jason Hamilton

Jason Hamilton

As with any minor league franchise, entertainment value is crucial to keeping fans in the stands and the franchise afloat. When a team lacks a certain element of entertainment, the team may face financial ruin, no matter how well they perform on the ice. Such circumstances leave franchise owners to decide if its better to sacrifice wins for a little more entertainment. Such is the case with the Louisiana IceGators. With the 2010-2011 season quickly approaching, IceGator fans are questioning if the frozen fighting phenom, Jason Hamilton should return to the franchise. In terms of statistics from last season, the answer should clearly be no, he should not return. In terms of entertainment value, however, the team may lose fans who enjoy his style of hockey if he does not return.

Last season Hamilton spent more time in the penalty box than he did sleeping. Individually, he accumulated 197 penalty minutes and aided his franchise in amassing a league high of1650 penalty minutes (210 more minutes than any other team). Hamilton ranked seventh in the league in penalty minutes. The six players ahead of him played in 42-56 games while Hamilton, on the other hand, only played in 26 games due to suspensions and injuries. His statistics alone make him one of the worst players in the league, which is why many IceGator fans have deemed him a "cancer" to the franchise.

On the other side of the debate, enforcers in hockey are more important than most people think. Of course they are on the ice to fight, but their number one job is to protect their team mates. In my personal opinion, there is no better person to give protection than Jason Hamilton. Enforcers prevent cheap shots and injuries to key players and especially small play-makers. However, enforcers must retaliate at the right time in the correct manner.

Tension arrose between IceGator fans and Hamilton after the game on February 25, 2010. In this game, the IceGators racked up 158 penalty minutes (33 by Hamilton) compared to the Ice Bears' 4. During the game, all hell broke loose and 6 IceGators, the head coach, and the equipment manager were ejected. Needless to say the Gators lost 10-4. At this point, most fans blamed Hamilton for the loss and deemed him the "cancer" of the team. Many fans, however, do not know the FULL STORY:

1. When the IceGators and Ice Bears faced off mid-season, the Ice Bears "enforcer," David Segal skated by the bench and punched a sitting IceGator. The douchebag was ejected and never received the payback that he deserved.
2. The next time these teams faced off, Ice Bears coach sent in 6'3” goalie Gallant to fight 5'9” Bucchino. Everyone that saw this knew all hell would break loose the next game. Watch Goalie Fight
3. The Ice Bears traveled to Louisiana to take on the Gators and in opening warm-ups, David Segal came out wearing a shirt with Jason Hamilton's face on it, clearly mocking him. 

At this point, Hamilton was ready to get even. Off the draw Hamilton went for Segal but Segal turtled like a little bitch that he is and as a result, all hell broke loose. The Ice Bears that received bumps and bruises have Segal and their dumbass coach to thank for that ass whipping. In any sport there are unspoken rules that shouldn't be broken. Clearly the Ice Bears don't understand this.

Should the icegators ask Hamilton to return? We say yes, as long as he can be kept on a leash. His protection is needed but not his cheap hot headed senseless penalties. If it is clear early on that he is not capable of being controlled, cut him, bring in another veteran, and pray to God that Hamilton doesn't end up on another team in the league because if he does, the Gators will probably be number one on his shit-list.