The NHL takes theatrics on the ice very seriously and has fined New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton $2,000 for embellishing during games this season. The league’s Hockey Operations department monitors games and reviews both penalized embellishment infractions and uncalled plays that should have been penalties. Citations are issued when a violation is determined to have occurred. Hamilton had received citations for embellishment during games against the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers, leading to the fine. The fines for embellishment increase in increments of $1,000 for each subsequent citation.
If Hamilton receives a third embellishment citation, he will face a $3,000 fine, with fines increasing further for any subsequent violations. If the Devils as a team accumulate five embellishment citations, coach Sheldon Keefe will also begin facing fines. All fines collected are directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. Hamilton is the third player to be fined for embellishment this season, following Jeff Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers and Josh Norris of the Ottawa Senators. The announcement of Hamilton’s fine came two days after the Devils lost 3-0 to the Los Angeles Kings.
Hamilton, who has five goals and 20 points on the Devils’ top defensive pairing with Brenden Dillon, has been a key player for the team this season. Despite the recent loss to the Kings, the Devils are in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 51 points. Head coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned that the team did not execute on their chances in the game against the Kings, and may have run out of gas in the third period. However, he also highlighted positive aspects of the game and expressed optimism about the team’s performance.
The NHL Winter Classic experienced a drop in ratings on New Year’s Eve, reaching an all-time low in viewership. For more NHL news and updates, fans can visit Newsweek Sports. The league’s response to embellishment on the ice reflects the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in hockey. By issuing fines for theatrics, the NHL aims to maintain the integrity of the game and discourage players from engaging in exaggerated or fake displays to deceive referees or gain an advantage. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how players and teams adjust their tactics to avoid embellishment penalties and uphold the spirit of fair competition.
