As if canceling the season was not enough bad publicity for the NHL, Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore has filed a civil lawsuit for the infamous incident that has put his career in jeopardy.?

Joining Todd Bertuzzi as defendants in the case include a host of Vancouver Canucks personnel, including forward Brad May, coach Marc Crawford, former General Manager Brian Burke, and the Canucks’ owners.? Moore?s claims include civil conspiracy, assault, battery and negligence.?

The March 8, 2004, attack on Moore stemmed from a game earlier in the season where Moore connected on a controversial hit on Canucks captain Markus Naslund.

Although no penalty was issued or suspension given, many of the Canucks felt that the hit warranted revenge.? After weeks of talk leading up to the game, Bertuzzi attacked Moore from behind, causing Moore to lie motionless on the ice before being taken away on a stretcher.?

Following the incident Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely and the Canucks organization was fined $250,000.? In December of 2004, Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm, receiving a conditional discharge in return.?

It is still uncertain as to whether or not Moore will ever be able to play again, but it is becoming less likely as time passes as he has not even be able to exercise since the incident.






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