Bolzano forward Mike Halmo suspended for three games

Mike Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia, time 20:21 was involved in an incident deemed as Interference (IIHF Rule 56). The video evidence was sent to the win2day ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 - 'Careless'.

Tuesday night in Salzburg, Bozen forward #91 Mike Halmo was involved in an incident deemed as Interference on Salzburg D'Man #39 Chay Genoway resulting in a 5-minute major penalty plus game-misconduct being assessed.

As the video shows, with Genoway in puck possession, circling behind the net and skating into the slot area, he turns from skating forwards to backwards for the sole purpose of delivering a shot or pass in the direction of the opposing team net. As Genoway maintains a backwards skating movement, from the high side, Halmo approaches and delivers a forceful check, that is considered late. This is interference.

It is important to note, the Interference rule provides a brief window where a player who initiates a check while his opponent is in possession of the puck may finish the hit. This is not such a play. Halmo has adequate time to avoid or minimize such contact. Halmo begins his hitting/ loading motion after Genoway has released the puck and contact is made outside the window where a check maybe legally finished. In addition to the lateness, what causes this hit to rise to the level of supplementary discipline is the significant force to the upper body on a unsuspecting opponent, combined with force of the blow.

The PSC has determined that, Halmo had a objectively reasonable window of opportunity to at least minimize or avoid this hit. The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Mike Halmo for 2 games for the current interference infraction and an additional 1 game as a repeat offender and fined 600.00 euros.

To summarize:

• This is interference
• Late and forceful
• Repeat offender

Previous suspension:
08.01.2023 Hydro Fehervar AV19 vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
5 games - IIHF 48 - Check to the Head 

Next game Mike Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is allowed to play:
TBA

DOPS provided the following video: