The elbow that shook Daniel Sedin to the core Wednesday has caused a stir in the game of B.C. politics.

Premier Christy Clark weighed in Thursday on Blackhawk and B.C. boy Duncan Keith's elbow to the head of the Canucks' star.

"I think it was nasty. I'm confident the NHL is going to make the right decision, and I think Duncan Keith should face some pretty serious consequences," Clark said in Port Moody - there to support Liberal candidate Dennis Marsden in the April 19 byelection.

"If the NHL doesn't enforce tough rules against those kinds of unfair hits, they are sending absolutely the wrong message," the hockey mom said.

Marsden is a 20-year veteran of reffing hockey in B.C.

"That's a brutal open-ice hit. The puck was nowhere to be found," Marsden said Thursday.

"I've got full faith in [NHL disciplinarian] Brendan Shanahan. We're going to see a suspension on this, and I think it should be significant," he said.

Keith, who lists Penticton as his hometown, is scheduled to speak on the phone to Shanahan today to discuss the devastating hit.

According to NHL rules, a hearing over the phone can't result in a suspension of more than five games.

It's expected that Keith, who has no previous track record of delivering cheap shots, will be suspended for three to five games.

Joe Trasolini, the popular former mayor of Port Moody now running for the NPD in April's byelection, has coached minor sports in the Tri- Cities area for 21 years.

"I saw the hit and I don't like it," said Trasolini, a lifelong Canucks fan.

"Unfortunately, the NHL is going to an area where good players are being targeted.

"The skills are what the game is all about and those types of hits to the head are not something I personally like."

Sedin has left the road trip and returned to Vancouver in order to see a concussion specialist.

Twin brother Henrik Sedin took a verbal run at Keith following the game, accusing him of threatening Daniel before the elbow was delivered.

The allegation was denied by Keith.

The Canucks don't play the Black-hawks for the rest of the regular season.

mraptis@theprovince.com

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