Simunic's punishment could have been worse

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Northern League official says he "blew the call" when he only fined Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks manager Doug Simunic following an on-field fight with Winnipeg coach Tom Vaeth.

League Director of Operations Harry Stavrenos says that in hindsight, he should have suspended Simunic for three games, and Vaeth as well.

Simunic slapped the Winnipeg coach in the face with his left hand before unleashing three punches with his right fist Monday night in Winnipeg, in an incident caught on videotape. Simunic says he's sorry, but he was pushed by Vaeth first.

Vaeth said he was trying to protect his player from verbal abuse and didn't expect to get hit.

Stavrenos says Vaeth is likely facing a one-game suspension because he was ejected from both Monday and Tuesday night's games. He says it's the first time in the league's history a coach has been ejected on consecutive nights.