Fehérvár defender Paul Geiger suspended one game

Paul Geiger (#33) of Hydro Fehervar AV19 time 32:05, was involved in an incident deemed as Checking from behind (IIHF Rule 123).

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, #33 Paul Geiger of Hydro Fehervar AV19 will receive supplementary discipline under rule 123 – Checking from Behind.

On December 12th in Fehervar, an incident occurred involving Fehervar player #33 Paul Geiger and Graz player #9 Parker Mackay, which is deemed a check from behind. A 5 minute major penalty + Game Misconduct for boarding was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, Graz player #9 Parker Mackay chips the puck ahead. Following and physically located immediately behind Mackay, Fehervar player #33 Paul Geiger makes a check on Mackay deemed illegal.

Considering Geiger was directly behind Mackay, originally had is stick down and had an awareness about the position and vulnerable situation Mackay ends up in, is probable cause to why this incident is deemed avoidable. Instead, Geiger made a choice to raise his stick in a horizontal manner, directly to the back # of Mackay and give a forceful push from behind. With Mackay unsuspecting and located a dangerous distance from the boards, the push propelled Mackay dangerously into the boards causing an apparent injury.

Effective immediately, Paul Geiger #33 of Hydro Fehervar AV19 is suspended for 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros.

Key references:

• This is deemed checking from behind
• Dangerous distance from boards
• Unsuspecting
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 113 - Checking from behind, Paul Geiger of Hydro Fehervar AV19 is suspended for 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros, effective immediately.

DOPS made following video available: