2 games suspension for Matthew Finn

Matthew Finn (#4) of EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz, time 46:53 was involved in an incident deemed as Cross checking (IIHF Rule 127). The video evidence was sent to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 - 'Reckless'.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga PSC, Matthew Finn (#4) of EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 127 – Cross Checking.

On January 14th in Bozen, a cross checking incident occurred involving EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz D'man (#4) Matthew Finn on HCB Südtirol Alperia forward (#12) Dante Hannoun. A 5 minute + Game Misconduct was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, Dante Hannoun enters the attacking zone with puck possession and immediately releases the puck through a pass to a teammate. Hannoun, after releasing the puck, does a routine play in continuing his drive to the net. As the D'Man, Matthew Finn, maintains the ice between his defending net and Hannoun. The 2 players engage with both players sticks up and in a horizontal manner, which maybe deemed aggressive, but nothing illegal and considered equal.

The reason for review and supplementary discipline is the stick action, Finn used in a second action, in the use of his stick. It can be considered that Finn is protecting himself in an attempt to fend off Hannoun. It is also important to note the Player Safety Committee took into consideration in making a decision, the battle between the 2 players began earlier in the shift and through continuation, the cross check was the end result.

However, at no time is a player permitted to raise his stick in a horizontal manner to make direct contact with an opposing players head. This is, in addition to a cross check, considered head contact, which is deemed recklessly endangering. Finn is permitted to stand his ground and certainly use a means to gain body position and protect himself. But the manner cannot be in the form of his stick at the height of an opposing players head.

Effective immediately, Matthew Finn (#4) of EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz is suspended for 2 game's and fined 500.00 Euros.
Key references:
- This is Cross-Checking
- Head contact
- Category 2 - Reckless
- Not a repeat offender
From the perspective of DOPS and according to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 123
- Cross Checking, Matthew Finn (#4) of EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz is suspended for 2 games and fined 500.00 Euros, effective immediately.

Next game Matthew Finn (#4) of EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz is allowed to play:
26.01.2020 EHC Liwest Black Wings Linz vs. EC-KAC