Release from 24.01.2025

Chad Pietroniro suspended for one AHL game

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Chad Pietroniro of HC Merano/o Pircher has been suspended for two games after the first game of the IHL Series A semi-final series against Ritten. As Meran lost the semi-final series 0:2, the 28-year-old forward will have to serve his second suspension on Thursday, January 30, in the Alps Hockey League against Jesenice. The reason for the suspension was an illegal cross-check.

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Chad Pietroniro (#47) of HC Meran/o Pircher, time 28:02, made contact with an opponent deemed as Cross-checking IIHF Rule 59. Based on the video evidence, it is determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 – ‘Reckless’ – a deliberate and/or dangerous action with no concern for the result, with a conscious action to provoke, through intent and a willful purpose. Injury is not the determining factor but can be considered as influential means to the decision.

Tuesday night, January 21, in Ritten, Meran forward #47 Chad Pietroniro delivered a cross-check on Ritten forward #23 Simon Kostner which was penalized by the on-ice officials with a 5-minute major and a game-misconduct penalty.

As the video shows, Kostner is already engaged with an opposing player at the boards in a battle for the puck where both players loose their balance and fell to the ice. Pietroniro located at the boards as well is observing the situation, as he sees Kostner is the first to get up he makes a powerful step into the direction of Kostner and delivers a forceful check with his stick to the shoulder/head area of Kostner.

This is cross-checking.

It is important to note, Pietroniro has nothing to do with the original battle for the puck. He is positioned at the boards between the blue line and the hashmarks ready to play the puck if that would have been played in his direction. As the puck is played to the slot area and Pietroniro is still focused on the two players laying on the ice, it shows that Pietroniro has no regard for the puck. Instead of following the puck to the slot area Pietroniro chose to get involved in the situation between Kostner and Massimo Pietroniro by the use of his stick. Such actions can lead to serious injuries, especially at the height Pietroniro contacted his opponent, which is why it was determined to be worthy of supplementary discipline.

Effective immediately, the Alps Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Chad Pietroniro for 2 games.

To summarize:

  • This is cross-checking
  • Forceful and location of stick contact
  • Not a repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Chad Pietroniro (#47) of HC Meran/o Pircher is allowed to play:
01.02.2025 Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel vs. HC Meran/o Pircher

DOPS provided the following video: