Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Dear Mr. Fraser, In the Islanders/Blues game on Saturday, the Isles had the apparent game-winning goal overturned in overtime because of a distinct kicking motion by Thomas Vanek. This was the explanation the referee received from Toronto after the goal was reviewed. Ive watched the play over and over, I cant see any kicking motion, let alone a distinct one. The Isles broadcast team thought it was a good goal. They even reported the Blues broadcast team called it a good goal. The Blues goalie (Jaroslav Halak) skated toward the gate leading to the visitors locker room (clearly, he must have figured it was a good goal). The NHL uses the word "distinct" to describe the words "kicking motion." According to the dictionary, "distinct" means readily distinguishable by the senses. I would imagine that if the NHL added "distinct" they meant that the motion could not be interpreted as anything other than a kicking motion. What does a "distinct kicking motion" look like from a referees perspective? As a fan, I would assume the knee would have to bend a bit or the thigh would have to move somewhat, especially if we are talking about a motion being "distinct." I know the NHL can overturn referees calls if there is conclusive evidence, but what does mean if the video doesnt seem to support the explanation. Does the NHL mean "distinct kicking motion" in a figurative or a literal way? Is there an explanation for "distinct" that the NHL uses that fans and internet analysts are not aware of? How does the NHL determine conclusive evidence to overturn a call, especially when most people watching assumed the goal was a good one? The refs didnt spend a long time at the timekeepers station, so the evidence should have been distinct to everyone watching, which is wasnt according to how many people thought the goal should have stood. The NHL had to see something that they consider "distinct," but that the rest of people watching may not have considered (this is my speculation). Its that "something" that has prompted my email inquiry to you. Was this simply a bad call by the guys in Toronto (a frustrating bad call in my personal opinion)? I appreciate you taking the time to read this email. I enjoy reading your column on TSN.ca. Thank you,Michael Bonet Michael: Thank you for your detailed question along with the logical (and expert) analysis you provided relative to the goal Thomas Vanek scored in overtime. To the referees eye, mind and perspective Thomas Vanek did NOT use a "distinct kicking motion" to propel the puck past Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak and score the game-winning goal in overtime. This was another example of an "officiating decision" made correctly on the ice that was overturned by "non-officiating personnel" that staff the Situation Room on a nightly basis. (NFL and MLB employ and empower referees/umpires to make final video review decisions). The guidelines and definition in determining a "distinct kicking motion" must have changed drastically, at least concerning Situation Room criteria employed, from when the kicking puck rule was first explained to my colleagues and I during a training camp meeting the season the rule was implemented. Otherwise Thomas Vaneks goal and the one scored by Brendan Gallagher of the Habs against Martin Brodeur last week (both of which were deemed legal by the referee in great position on the ice) would not have been overturned and disallowed through the video review process. The definition in rule 38.4 (iv) remains the same as when it was explained to us in that training camp meeting by Hockey Ops that still control the Situation Room. "A DISTINCT KICKING MOTION is one which, with a pendulum motion, the player propels the puck with his skate into the net. If the Video Goal Judge determines that it was put into the net by an attacking player using a distinct kicking motion, it must be ruled NO GOAL." As you correctly pointed out, Michael, the former NHL players working as analysts on both the NY Islanders and St. Louis Blues broadcast teams were convinced that Vaneks goal should count. They went so far as to say that Vanek wouldnt have known where the puck was as he rotated his body position away from Halak at the top of the goal crease and was then shoved from behind by Alexander Steen of the Blues. A referees perspective would clearly indicate that the bump from behind by Steen changed Vaneks rotation to a forward motion toward the net and caused the puck to be deflected off Vaneks skate and into the net. (Rule 49.2 - A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking players skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal. A puck that is directed into the net by an attacking plays skate shall be a legitimate goal as long as no distinct kicking motion is evident). We can envision various legal plays when a player is allowed to deliberately turn and angle his skate to direct a puck into the net or even makes a natural sliding stop at the crease in order to contact the puck causing it to enter the goal. Unless there has been some change in the definition and criteria of a "distinct kicking motion" it makes no sense that Thomas Vaneks goal would be disallowed through a video review decision. If there has been a "distinct" change in the criteria that the Situation Room employs in rendering their exclusive decisions, perhaps it is time they advise the rest of the hockey world! Until that takes place, Michael, this decision will be viewed by most as "simply a bad call by the guys in Toronto!" Tim Frazier Jersey . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell while figuring out which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Henry Ellenson Jersey . 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Alen, 28, hit .315 with five home runs, 59 RBI and a career-high nine stolen bases for the Goldeyes last season. He is the longest serving catcher in Goldeyes history, having already spent five seasons with the organization.LONDON - Former World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound vowed Tuesday to get to the bottom of allegations of systematic doping in Russia as he leads an investigation into a case that has shaken the sport of track and field.Were not there to whitewash anything, Pound told The Associated Press. Were there to get the facts, reach conclusions and make recommendations.WADA announced Tuesday that Pound will head a three-person independent panel that will investigate the grave accusations of widespread doping, coverups and corruption in Russia that were broadcast by German television network ARD.If all these things are true, its extremely serious for sport, for athletics, for the countries involved, Pound said in a telephone interview.Veteran Canadian sports arbitrator Richard McLaren will also serve on the commission, while a third member will be announced later. WADA said the investigation will begin next month.The panel will seek to determine if there have been any violations of the World Anti-Doping Code by athletes, coaches, doctors, trainers and WADA-accredited laboratories that could lead to sanctions against individuals or organizations.WADA said the panel will review the evidence aired by the German broadcaster as well as other information received separately by the agency.Once the investigation is concluded, if it is found that there have been violations or breaches of the rules, WADA will ensure that any individuals or organizations concerned are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA President Craig Reedie said.The appointment of Pound indicates that WADA will investigate fully and without restriction.The outspoken Canadian IOC member took a tough line in his decade as WADAs first chairman from 1999-2008. He previously led the International Olympic Committees internal probe into the Salt Lake City bid scandal that resulted in the resignation or expulsion of 10 members.Its far too early for me to know whats going to happen, how fast we can do it, how much travel we may have to do, Pound said. I think you have to wait and see what evidence you get as opposed to what you may suspectt.ddddddddddddPound said he was already familiar with past problems at the Russian doping lab. He chaired the WADA committee that made sure the lab improved its operations to avoid suspension ahead of the Winter Games in Sochi.The appointment of the WADA panel was welcomed by the International Association of Athletics Federations, whose independent ethics commission is also investigating the allegations.The IAAF takes this opportunity to reiterate its full support of the WADA investigation, IAAF President Lamine Diack said. Our primary concern must always be to protect the integrity of competition in support of the vast majority of clean athletes, and we look forward to working with WADA to this end.Earlier this week, Diacks son — Papa Massata Diack — suspended his work as a marketing consultant for the IAAF pending its investigation. IAAF treasurer and council member Valentin Balakhnichev — who heads the Russian athletics federation — relieved himself of his duties while the investigation is continuing. Both men were accused by ARD and French sports daily lEquipe of involvement in coverups.The German documentary appeared to show reigning Olympic 800-meter champion Maria Savinova admitting to using the banned steroid oxandrolone. Three-time Chicago Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova was also reported to have paid 450,000 euros ($560,000) to avoid a doping ban so she could run at the 2012 London Olympics. Shobukhova was eventually banned for doping and she said some of the money was refunded.ARD also claimed the IAAF did not probe 150 suspicious blood samples from 2006 to 2009. The IAAF said it launched its biological passport only in 2009 and could only use the data collected earlier for target purposes.Pound dismissed comparisons to the scandal surrounding Ben Johnsons positive test after the 100 metre final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.The Ben Johnson thing was a one off, Pound said. It wasnt a Canadian system of doping, whereas in the former East Germany and a number of the Warsaw Pact countries it was a little more organized and systematic.___Follow Stephen Wilson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stevewilsonap ' ' '