Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Marc Crawford says it is "not the time" to discuss allegations that he called for the infamous on-ice assault of Steve Moore by then-Canucks' forward Todd Bertuzzi.
The allegations come in an amended statement of claim filed in Ontario court by Moore's lawyer in relation to Moore's $38-million lawsuit against Bertuzzi and the Canucks organization.
According to the statement, Crawford pointed to Moore's name and jersey number during the second intermission of an NHL game between the Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche on March 8, 2004.
He allegedly told his team that Moore "must pay the price."
The Canucks were upset over an unpunished hit by the Avalanche forward on superstar Markus Naslund during a previous game between the two teams.
Bertuzzi attacked Moore from behind in the third period, punching him in the face and driving his head into the ice, leaving him with three broken vertebrae and a concussion.
Moore has not played in the league since the injury and his lawyer says his career is likely over.
In 2004, Bertuzzi was charged with assault for the hit on Moore. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and community service.
He was suspended from the NHL for 17 months, missed 13 regular-season games and the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs and lost about US$502,000 in salary. Bertuzzi now plays for the Anaheim Ducks.
Crawford and several Canuck players did not admit anything was said during the intermission to condone the attack when Vancouver police questioned them after the incident.
On Thursday, Crawford, now head coach for the Los Angeles Kings, said it was "not the time" to react to the allegations, which have not been proven in court.
Moore originally filed a lawsuit against Bertuzzi, the Canucks and their parent company in February, 2006, seeking $18 million in lost wages, aggravated damages and punitive damages.
The proposed amended claim seeks to increase the reward to $38 million.
In documents accompanying the claim, Moore's lawyer claims Crawford's statement was disclosed by Bertuzzi while under oath and corroborated by Canucks GM Dave Nonis.
With files from The Canadian Press
