Mëds wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 10:41 am
As an aside…..
How do you punch someone in the face when they’re prone?
Good catch. Started that sentence thinking of someone pinned and face exposed and ended the sentence thinking of Steve Moore (prone, getting punched in the neck, IIRC)..... Point is only that to show an intent to do significant bodily injury to someone, you need something that manifests that intent more than throwing a swing which in *most* circumstances shouldn't qualify.
American law is "wide" when it comes to self-defense or defense of others compared to how the English common law doctrine evolved elsewhere. It does differ a bit state by state, (particularly whether there is a duty to retreat and under what standard), but whether by doctrine, jury disposition, or both, there is probably more of a tolerance for violence in self-defense (and by extension defense of others). It is seen as a right.
Also, don't know how it is in Canada, but in the US once the defendant establishes a prima facie self-defense case (shows there are facts and circumstances where its plausible that act was in self defense or in defense of another), the state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the affirmative defense is not met. In other words, the state bears the burden of showing beyond a reasonable doubt that the person being defended was not facing harm, that the amount of force used to prevent that harm was not reasonable/proportional to the harm faced.
Lancer wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 10:53 am
Switching channels a smidge...
The Ruck brothers are gaining more attention as we get closer to the draft. They seem to be falling into the draft range of Minny's pick and Vancouver's 2nd-rounder.
Even if you think these guys will only end up being 2nd or 3rd line players, I would like to see the team grab them. BC born, twins (how can we not eh?), could be capable of world diamonds if they turn into reliable players that take a bit of a discount to stay together in their home province.
If scouts are projecting fringe top-12, then don’t burn any picks on them in their opening 2-3 rounds.
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
Mëds wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 10:41 am
As an aside…..
How do you punch someone in the face when they’re prone?
Good catch. Started that sentence thinking of someone pinned and face exposed and ended the sentence thinking of Steve Moore (prone, getting punched in the neck, IIRC)..... Point is…
I knew what you meant. Just had to, ya know.
Also, don't know how it is in Canada, but in the US once the defendant establishes a prima facie self-defense case (shows there are facts and circumstances where its plausible that act was in self defense or in defense of another), the state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the affirmative defense is not met. In other words, the state bears the burden of showing beyond a reasonable doubt that the person being defended was not facing harm, that the amount of force used to prevent that harm was not reasonable/proportional to the harm faced.
Maybe it’s out there and we haven’t seen it, but I think if this was a case where he knocked the guy down and then went full mount and kept feeding him his sammiches until someone pulled him off…..well we would have see that because someone in the bar would have had the time to pull their phone and make sure it was all over the socials.
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
theman wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 10:55 am
My only concern with this incident is that he seems to have punched the guy while he was ‘down and defenceless’.
I hadn't seen that, which is why I couched my thoughts in reference to Donny's images and caveated that there may be more that comes out.
There certainly are situations where the initial use of force is justified but the conditions stop justifying the force and the beatings continue after the privilege is lost, and down and defenseless could be one of those situations. Its a very fact dependent inquiry, and one you expect to see experts on both sides addressing the time it takes to interpret new information, effect of adrenaline (or whatever) on interpreting the situation, etc. Juries seem to tolerate a little more than needed, especially where the effect of the injury doesn't grab another aspect of their conscience.
But there's a reason why friends, who are "observing", often have to pull off their buddy whose won a dust up but hasn't fully realized it. One is in a different mode in the thick of it....
Lancer wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 10:53 am
Switching channels a smidge...
The Ruck brothers are gaining more attention as we get closer to the draft. They seem to be falling into the draft range of Minny's pick and Vancouver's 2nd-rounder.
Even if you think these guys will only end up being 2nd or 3rd line players, I would like to see the team grab them. BC born, twins (how can we not eh?), could be capable of world diamonds if they turn into reliable players that take a bit of a discount to stay together in their home province.
If scouts are projecting fringe top-12, then don’t burn any picks on them in their opening 2-3 rounds.
The Rucks I’ve mentioned before. And if we do take Verhoeff with our first I would be all for strategizing to snag them both.
I think we could utilize our Minny pick and 32nd OA to pick them up!
Love the fact we’re targeting kids who played and got coached by some solid academies here in the Okanagan. McKenna and Verhoeff both played for RINK in Kelowna and the Rucks for OHA in Penticton.
Aaronp18 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 05, 2026 12:06 pm
The Rucks I’ve mentioned before. And if we do take Verhoeff with our first I would be all for strategizing to snag them both.
I apologize for not having realized that you had mentioned them before. Didn't see it.
So I'll make sure to give you full credit so that Lever doesn't harp on me.
Have you paid much attention to them as players in The Hat?
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
- The Ruck brothers, Liam and Markus, are both rated “B”. While both are ridiculously skilled, Liam is the more dynamic, freewheeling offensive dynamo and goal-scorer (and a RW), while Marcus (a center) is a bit more hard-nosed and gritty, and plays a more responsible defensive game as a playmaker. Before the season, Liam was talked about as being a potential first-rounder and a future top-six NHLer, while Markus was betrothed as a mid-rounder who would make it on a NHL checking line. Thing is, Markus has posted 11 points (only 1 goal) in 11 games for Medicine Hat, while Liam has 10 points (2 goals) in 11 games for the same team. If Markus can keep up the offensive output, it will interesting to see who gets picked first.
Liam Ruck
October 2025 – Ruck plays in the Western Hockey League for the Medicine Hat Tigers, with the departure of projected number one pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Gavin McKenna, to the NCAA, Ruck will have an opportunity to become a leading contributor for the Tigers this season, he is off to a solid start to the 2025-26 campaign as he had produced six points (two goals and four assists) in seven games.
Ruck is known as a two-way forward with a high motor and strong offensive instincts; he excels around the net and generates scoring chances with his aggressive style of play, thanks to his strong forecheck and strong positioning. One of his greatest assets is his shot; he has a quick release and is a threat in the slot.
Projected as a reliable, steady middle-six NHL player contributing on the penalty kill, and could develop as an asset on the power play as a net-front presence. His combination of work ethic, offensive capability, and high IQ could make Ruck a multi-category fantasy contributor. Ruck could draw comparisons with various players, anywhere from Sam Steel to Troy Terry. Ruck’s landing spot in the 2026 NHL Draft will go a long way in determining his long-term potential. If he gets selected by a young rebuilding team, he will have more runway to develop into a middle-six contributor. If a Stanley Cup-contending team, year in and year out, calls his name next June, it may limit Ruck from reaching his full potential and only see him develop into a bottom-six role player.
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Ruck was one of Canada’s best wingers this week, which wasn’t too surprising given how impressive he looked at the selection camp. I love his work ethic, his defensive zone play and how mobile he is on the penalty kill. He’s an all-around player who might not be big but has all the tools to have a good NHL career. Ruck is the type of player you can pair with a shooter and make magic happen.
Markus Ruck
There's less out there on brother Markus.....
I loved Ruck as a playmaker. While Liam was the more offensively minded twin, Markus chased after opponents and often got the puck where it needed to be. Ruck is a smart, hard worker who won’t score in the NHL, but he can fill a lot of roles in a lineup.
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Markus Ruck and twin brother Liam are a big reason why the Medicine Hat Tigers are one of the top teams in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. While Liam has been more of a goal scorer with 25 in 43 games, Markus has been piling up the assists with 50 in 43 games. He is the leader amongst draft-eligible players in the CHL in helpers so far this year.
After a slow start to the week with just one shot on goal against the Edmonton Oil Kings in a 3-2 shootout win, Ruck exploded for six points (two goals, four assists) in the following two games. The 31st-ranked skater by NHL Central Scouting in its Mid-Term Ranking for North American skaters for the 2026 class had three assists, including two on the power play, and the game’s last goal, as the Tigers defeated the Oil Kings 7-3. Ruck was named the third star of the game against the Prince Albert Raiders for his goal and assist in the Tigers’ rally back from down 4-1. Unfortunately, the Tigers saw the game slip away in the third as the Raiders scored twice on an empty net to win 8-5.
I'm intrigued by these guys. Liam sounds like the more promising player, makes me think of Alex Burrows. Markus sounds like more of a project at the NHL level, but leading all draft-eligible CHL players in assists is not to be dismissed.
Somewhere in NW BC trying (yet again) to trade a(nother) Swede…..
Aaronp18 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 24, 2026 11:05 am
Interestingly enough I was going to post about McKenna and his post WJC games the other day, before the hatty game. It’s going to be tough not to pick him if we get the first OA.
The rest of the draft focus on D and centres!
Really like Daxon Rudolph out of PA. And then if we could swing picking up the Ruck twins in the second round, they played with McKenna last year (not the same line he had Weisblatt and Richie with him I believe) but Marcus can distribute the puck well and Liam is no slouch in the goal scoring dept.
Anyways, it’s good draft to pick up even more picks in the second round. There’s a lot of solid choices and it’ll be a great start to the rebuild.
I’m sure you can see my tendency to be taking kids from the west here. It’s about damn time!
Haven't paid too close attention to the Hat and watching them play, just scouting reports and stats.
Again, just like the trajectory and where they are from tbh. They'll easily have another year in the W and could push for a spot on the WJC roster next year.
Started that sentence thinking of someone pinned and face exposed and ended the sentence thinking of Steve Moore (prone, getting punched in the neck, IIRC)..... Point is only that to show an intent to do significant bodily injury to someone, you need something that manifests that intent more than throwing a swing which in *most* circumstances shouldn't qualify. 
