Release from 08.12.2021

2 games suspension for Ben Blood

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Ben Blood of the Moser Medical Graz99ers got suspended for an incident in the game against the EC Grand Immo VSV deemed as Slew Footing.

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Ben Blood (#24) of Moser Medical Graz99ers, time 56:36 was involved in an incident deemed as Slew-Footing (IIHF Rule 52). The video evidence was sent to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 - 'Careless'. According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, Ben Blood (#24) of Moser Medical Graz99ers, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 52 – Slew-Footing. Tuesday night in Graz, Graz defender #24 Ben Blood, was involved in an incident deemed as slew-footing on Villach forward #15 Travis Oleksuk. The incident was sent to the ICEHL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required under Category 1 – ‘Careless’.

As the video shows, Oleksuk maintained a net front presents, while Blood worked to defend the slot area of the Graz defending zone, causing a battle between the 2 players. The battle between the 2 players had been previously occurring within the shift. As the puck battle pursues and the puck was in the process of being shot, Blood engages Oleksuk with his upper body, pulling him back, as he simultaneously extends his right leg to use as leverage in taking Oleksuk down. The action causes Oleksuk to fall dangerously to the ice, in a manner Oleksuk is unable to protect or defend himself.

This is slew footing. It is important to note that there are many occasions during the course of a game, where players use their legs, their stick or upper body to restrain, box out or defensively impede an opponent to gain leverage for the area or within puck battle. As many of these plays, when deemed illegal, can appropriately be punished with in game penalties, there are times when these plays rise to the the level of being illegal and requiring supplementary discipline. What causes this play to rise to supplementary discipline, is Blood's use of both his upper body and lower body to take Oleksuk to the ice in a forceful, dangerous fashion.

Key references:
- This is slew footing
- Dangerous, forceful action - Category 1
- Careless
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 153 - Slew footing, Ben Blood (#24) of Moser Medical Graz99ers is suspended for 2 games and fined 500.00 Euros. Next game Ben Blood (#24) of Moser Medical Graz99ers is allowed to play: 17.12.2021 HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie vs. Moser Medical Graz99ers