Former forward for the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning Steve Downie decided to slash a referee in the shin last night during an AHL game.

According to Hershey broadcaster John Walton:

“The two teams came to center ice for the face-off, and Downie stepped into the face-off circle. Linesman (Mike) Hamilton prepared to drop the puck. Instead of trying to win the face-off, Downie took a baseball-like swing with full wind-up and struck Hamilton across the right shin. Watching the replay no less than 20 times myself during the postgame, I was appalled not only at the lack of respect for an official, but the sheer violence from one man to another.”

For this brutal act, Downie received a game misconduct and could face a 20-game suspension for “physical abuse of an official.”

Here is Downie’s impressive resume:

• Downie was selected in the first round, 29th overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers.
• Downie was suspended for five games in 2005 (OHL) when he blindly cross-checked and then fought teammate Akim Aliu during practice, knocking out three of Aliu’s teeth.
• Downie was suspended for 20 games in 2007 by the NHL when he left his skates to check left winger Dean McAmmond, catching him with his head down.
• Downie, in 2009, was suspended indefinitely (possibly 20 games again) by the AHL for the “physical abuse of an official” after slashing a referee in his shin during a face off.

Furthermore, a new hockey term has been born.  The Downie Hat Trick, when a player is suspended by three different hockey leagues because of idiotic acts.  Downie has been suspended by the OHL, AHL, and NHL.  Congratulations Steve Downie, you’re a loser.