No reprieve for Panthers defenceman Larocque
The club had hoped the French-Canadian's 'match' penalty, and automatic one-game ban, for excessive roughness during last weekend's defeat to Belfast, would be rescinded.
But the suspension stands and additionally, it is understood that Belfast's Sean McMorrow, the instigator of the incident, has had his 'game' penalty upgraded and he faces a one-game ban.
It means Panthers will be playing one import short for the difficult clash with the Devils – a game they have to win to stay in touch at the top of the table, with all the other teams having games in hand.
Panthers' coach Corey Neilson is, however, a firm believer in letting the punishment fit the crime.
He said: "I'm a big believer in suspending people when they deserve it.
"And they both deserved it."
But he admits, the league have a difficult line to tread when it comes to banning the star players. For instance, Belfast's fans were no doubt looking forward to a re-match of the McMorrow battle with Hull's Adam Knight.
And, like it or not, that sells tickets.
"I realise it's a tough decision for the league to make when it comes to suspending imports – the players the supporters want to see," said Neilson.
"With ten imports a side, they don't want to wreck the product.
"But we've already seen incidents this season that could have resulted in suspensions and have been ignored.
"I don't like criticising refs. They all do their best and, just like the players, they make mistakes.
"But they are not going to get any better if certain incidents are not reviewed and discussed.
"They have to be helped, not just left to their own devices."
Meanwhile, Neilson has been working hard with his players this week in a bid to eradicate the errors that crept into their game last weekend, particularly in the dismal 4-0 shut-out against Belfast.
The power-play has also been a worry for Neilson, going from one of the best in the league at over 23% conversion rate to now being less than 19%.
"They were all disappointed in themselves after that defeat and it was a little sombre in the room to start with," said Neilson.
"But the guys have been working hard and I know they will be ready for Cardiff.
"Cardiff are a good side who have a good edge to their play and forecheck well.
"But we have to be disciplined. We tried a more defensive mindset in the last few games which worked initially. But I think we may have gone too far that way.
"It is not the perfect answer. We have to find a middle ground.
"First and foremost, we have to get back to playing Panthers hockey – and that means getting the puck to the net and making the most of our chances.
"We have the goalscorers, now they have to start doing their job. That in turn takes the pressure off the defence."
This weekend's fixtures:
Tomorrow – Belfast v Hull; Edinburgh v Cardiff; Newcastle v Coventry.
Sunday – Coventry v Newcastle; Hull v Belfast; Panthers v Cardiff (4pm).
Panthers are giving a trial to 21-year-old, 6ft 2in Tristan Cameron-Harper.
The Dundee-born forward played last season in a junior league in Canada and has also played in Holland.
He makes his debut on Sunday against Cardiff.
Mario Larocque
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