Ducks GM Accused of Cross-Checking Fan
DETROIT - As the Red Wings battled the Ducks on the ice Thursday night, there was a different battle going on in the press box at Joe Louis Arena. A fan says the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks cross-checked her with a stool following the Wings' victory.
Dan Cleary's tie-breaking goal sent the Red Wings and their fans into a frenzy of joy. The goal with three minutes remaining in the game sent the Wings to the Western Conference Finals and meant defeat for the Ducks in the hard fought, seven game series.
While the players were on the ice exchanging handshakes, high above in an executive suite Ducks General Manager Bob Murray was seething over the controversial goal that ended his team's quest for the Stanley Cup.
A Detroit Police report lead to an assault investigation involving Murray. An upset and angry Murray, the report notes, picked up a high bar stool and hit 55-year-old Rachel Paris on the left chest, arm and shoulder area. She was treated by first aid personnel and interviewed by police.
Paris said in a phone interview she was in the press box working as a stage manager for a media outlet that she would not identify. A passionate Red Wings fan, Paris said Murray was apparently upset over her enthusiasm and used a stool on her to express his displeasure.
"I was taken to the boards by Bob Murray and survived the hit. I felt like I was cross-checked and I didn't even have the puck," said Paris.
Should Murray be charged with a criminal misconduct? Paris said "no" and declined to file a formal police complaint.
We've attempted to contact Murray without success. The Ducks have no comment on the incident.
The Red Wings will face the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals. Murray spent 15 years as a defenceman with the Blackhawks. It is a safe bet that he will be rooting for his old team.
