Erie Otters over-aged left winger Michael Liambas was suspended for he rest of the 2009-10 Ontario Hockey League season, including playoffs, for his hit on Kitchener Rangers rookie defenceman Ben Fanelli Oct. 30, which sent him to the hospital. Liambas would originally be assessed a match penalty for boarding.

Though the suspension would effectively end Liambas’ OHL career, the King Wild of the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League could be a possible home for the Woodbridge native.

“We have made a gesture that he would be open to play for us if he wants to,” said Wild President and General Manager Naz Marchese. “We haven’t discussed it with him. We’ve only talked with one of his parents and they relayed that message to him. We are looking to talk to him in the near future.”

The 16-year-old Fanelli was released from Hamilton General Hospital Saturday (Nov. 7), exactly one week after the Liambas hit resulted in him being airlifted to hospital with a fractured skull and broken orbital bone. Fanelli’s recovery will include outpatient treatments at the hospital, along with additional supporting treatments at his home.

Liambas told the Toronto Star Saturday that he had no intension of appealing his suspension handed down by OHL commissioner Dave Branch last Wednesday (Nov.4). Whether or not Liambas could join the Wild would have to be approved by the GMHL.

“I’m not sure if the league would do that,” Marchese said. “Some people think that it’s not good for the league and some people do. I kind of think it’s good for the league.”

Liambas, who will turn 21 in February, accumulated 13 points and 357 penalty minutes in 124 games for Erie. He seems to be an aggressive role player, which may not be good for the GMHL.

“At this point we’re a little unsure whether it’s the right thing to do,” said GMHL President Bob Russell Monday evening. “If you look at his statistics, he seems to be a tough guy. So, we’re not sure if he can contribute in our league, which is trying to shift away from aggressive nature.”

The league is also not sure if their insurance company would approve a player like Liambas, knowing already of his suspension. So Russell said, “there’s the legal aspect if something goes wrong in our league and how it would affect the league.”

To view the Liambas hit on Fanelli visit http://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=fPj-kCp1rGI

Please e-mail your opinions and reactions to the Wild’s interest in Liambas or about the Liambas hit in general to sports@kinsentinel. com