NHL forward Todd Bertuzzi's infamous on-ice attack on former player Steve Moore may have been ordered by former Vancouver Canucks coach Marc Crawford, CBC's The National reported Wednesday.
Bertuzzi, then with the Canucks attacked Colorado forward Moore from behind during the third period of a March 8, 2004 game, driving Moore's head into the ice.
Moore suffered a broken neck and a concussion, injuries that have all but certainly ended is career.
A statement of claim filed in Ontario court by Moore's lawyer and obtained by CBC alleges that Crawford pointed to Moore's name and number on a board in the Canucks dressing room during the second intermission of that game and said ". . . (Moore) must pay the price."
In an accompanying document, Moore's lawyer claims Crawford's statement was disclosed by Bertuzzi while under oath, and by Canucks GM Dave Nonis.
Nonis didn't confirm whether the comments were made between the second and third period.
The Canucks were angry with Moore leading up to the attack. Moore delivered a questionable hit on Canucks star Markus Naslund during a Feb. 16, 2004 game that went unpunished.
Moore filed a lawsuit against Bertuzzi, the Vancouver Canucks and their parent company in Ontario in February. He was originally seeking $18 million in lost wages, aggravated damages and punitive damages, though there are plans to increase the reward to $38 million through a proposed amended claim.
The NHL gave Bertuzzi a 17-month suspension for the Moore hit. He gave up about US$502,000 in salary, and missed 13 regular-season games and the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2004. He also was prevented from playing hockey overseas during the lockout season.
Authorities charged Bertuzzi with assault. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and community service.