It's very unfortunate that a player was seriously injured on the play, but I don't think it warranted a years suspension to the Erie player. Branch is known for his excessive suspensions and radical rule changes and this altercation was no different. Last year it was the changes to the fighting rules (OHL was the first to change their rules) and now this.
This play looked worse than it was because of where it happend (end boards on a dump in forecheck). If anything it was a boarding major (yes, charging as well), so maybe 5 games. Looking at the history of the offending player I'm sure Branch took advantage of that.