Todd Bertuzzi received a "conditional discharge" (what we in the States call probation) after pleading guilty to assault causing bodily harm in a Vancouver, BC court today. Basically, he gets community service and he's not to participate in any activity that involves Steve Moore.

This is not the end game, by any means. There's still the matter of the league's suspension and Moore most likely will take this to a civil court. (Here's a refresher on my reaction to the Bertuzzi/Moore incident and my theories as to why these things happen.)

If/when this does go to a civil court, I'll be curious to hear Moore's case. In his victim's impact statement, read in court today, he talks about being a free agent and how no team signed him. OK, part of that undoubtedly has to do with the seriousness of his injuries and how he's recovering: But part of his remaining unsigned also has to do with the fact that the NHL is in the midst of a work stoppage and there were a lot of free agent players that weren't signed to any team. So, should the NHL resume play and all of the comparable players (in terms of talent/skill and experience) get signed, but he doesn't, then he's got a stronger argument. However, if the comparables (Cliff Ronning is one that comes to mind) also remain unsigned, then his argument weakens a bit.

Moore also claims in his victim's impact statement, that nearly every Canucks player that got within earshot of him in that March 8, 2004 game, threatened him. This is something that could have considerable impact in a civil case: However, he's going to need people to corroborate his claim. He'll need players and/or coaches and on-ice officials to testify that they also heard these threats made against him, or that part of his case falls apart. Specifically, they'll need to corroborate that Todd Bertuzzi made some of these threats on the ice, unless Moore is also planning to name the entire Vancouver Canucks organization in his suit. Which is something that I'd strongly consider, given the fact that there were Canucks players quoted in the media who did make threats against Moore (after his hit on Vancouver captain Marcus Nasland). I hope that Moore's attorney has subpoenaed those audio/video tapes (if they still exist), because seeing and hearing those players making threats against Moore might prove rather valuable.

Steve Moore has a long road ahead of him: He appears to be still suffering greatly from post-concussion syndrome and hasn't been able to resume any kind of normal physical activity. And, quite understandably, he harbors quite a bit of emotional pain over the incident as evidenced by his remark "I have no desire to interact with him in any way. I would respectfully request that should I regain my health and someday be able to get back to playing, that Todd Bertuzzi never be permitted to participate in any sporting activity in which I am competing."

I sincerely hope that, starting with today's judgment, Steve Moore can begin the emotional healing that needs to start happening in order to facilitate his physical healing.

And (though I doubt it) I hope that the NHL and hockey players everywhere have learned from this tragic incident and can/will apply these lessons toward making hockey a watchable sport again.