Release from 15.03.2021

DEC forward William Rapuzzi suspended one game

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Dornbirn Bulldogs forward William Rapuzzi got suspended for one game and has to pay a 250€ fee because of an incident deemed as slashing in Sunday's game against EC Red Bull Salzburg.

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William Rapuzzi of Dornbirn Bulldogs time 46:50, was involved in an incident deemed as Slashing (IIHF Rule 159). 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, William Rapuzzi of Dornbirn Bulldogs will receive supplementary discipline under rule 159 – Slashing.

On March 14th in Dornbirn an incident occurred involving Dornbirn player #25 William Rapuzzi and Salzburg player #91 Dominique Heinrich, which is deemed slashing. A 2 minute minor penalty for Slashing was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, with Heinrich retrieving the puck in the neutral zone, Rapuzzi is following a close distant behind with no regard for, or play on the puck. Instead of skating to pursue puck possession or limit skating angle with Heinrich skating towards his own D'zone, Rapuzzi made an unimpeded choice to use his stick in an illegal manner.

The incident was sent to the ICE PSC and determined that supplementary discipline is warranted. Considering Rapuzzi elevated his stick to a position above his head, skated a fair distance with his stick elevated up and then lowered his stick in a slashing manner directly in the direction of Heinrich, it is determined that Rapuzzi had some form of intent to use his stick more as a weapon than puck purposes.

The PSC took into account the slash motion was more a downward motion making contact in the hip area of Heinrich. However, these type of stick fouls are deemed dangerous and close to a high potential of injury, especially if the stick action was to make direct contact to the arm of the opposing player.

Effective immediately, William Rapuzzi of Dornbirn Bulldogs is suspended 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros.

Key references:

  • This is deemed slashing
  • Forceful slash
  • Category 1 - 'Careless'
  • Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 125 - Slashing, William Rapuzzi of Dornbirn Bulldogs is suspended 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros, effective immediately.