By: KL Hinson
I just want to thank my fellow Avalanche fans, especially those at the Pepsi Center. Our audio dislike for Todd Bertuzzi (now a rivaled Red Wing) is echoed throughout the land, still to this date. Each and every time he acquires the puck “we” (dedicated Avalanche fans) remind him of his dastardly deed with a meaningful BOOOO!
On March 8, 2004 playing for the Vancouver Canucks, Bertuzzi intentionally drove Avalanche #36 Steve Moore into the ice head first. The hit was severely brutal. Moore sustained a fractured vertebrae, concussion, and bloody facial lacerations. I personally remember watching in horror and disgust. Bertuzzi was given a slap on the hand. He missed some games, lost a few pennies, and was ordered to perform community service. Boohoo! Steve Moore had to endure agonizing physical therapy and the loss of his livelihood.
The following season Bertuzzi was reinstated. A civil trial is anticipated in 2012, but is conveniently on hold until Bertuzzi retires. Bertuzzi deflects blame away from himself and onto then Canuck coach Marc Crawford. The fact that Bertuzzi still gets to play hockey is less than fair. Today, Moore suffers from post-concussion syndrome and is unable to return to the NHL. Is our BOOING poor fan-manship? No! We boo as a reminder of the unjust, and unfairness that a fallen Av can no longer play hockey. We will not forget you Steve Moore and with each BOO! we won’t let Bertuzzi forget either!