Five games suspension for Mike Halmo

Mike Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia, time 18:40 was involved in an incident deemed as an Illegal Check to the Head or Neck (IIHF Rule 48). The video evidence was sent to the win2day ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 - 'Reckless'.

Sunday night in Szekesfehervar, Bozen forward #91 Mike Halmo was involved in an incident deemed as an illegal check to the head or neck on Fehervar D'man #31 Henrik Nilsson resulting in a 5 minute major penalty and a game-misconduct being assessed and Nilsson being forced from playing the remainder of the game.

As the video shows, Nilsson receives a pass, whereby the puck jumped over his stick, causing him to turn immediately in an effort to gain puck possession, as Halmo approaches from the high slot area. As Nilsson chips the puck, Halmo finishes a high, hard check that makes the head the main point of contact, on a check where such contact was avoidable.

This is an illegal check to the head or neck.

It is important to note, that both elements of a check to the head are satisfied on this play. First, the head is the main point of contact on this hit as Halmo's left shoulder makes forceful and direct contact with Nilsson's head and it is the head that absorbs the majority of the check. Second, the head contact on this play is avoidable. Halmo chooses an angle of approach that cuts across the front of Nilsson's body, missing his core and picking his head. If Halmo wants to deliver this hit, he must stay low, choose an angle that leads to a full body to body check, rather than one that makes the head the main point of contact.

The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Mike Halmo for 5 games (3 games for the current incident and 2 games as a repeat offender) and fined 1250.00 euros. In addition, for the duration of Mike Halmo's suspension HCB Südtirol Alperia also loses one (1) spot for non-domestic players on the game sheet.

To summarize:

• This is a check to the head
• Reckless and forceful
• Repeat offender

Previous suspension:
05.04.2021 HCB Südtirol Alperia vs. spusu Vienna Capitals
4 games - IIHF 42 - Charging - https://jwp.io/s/Z4xCPI7T

Next game Mike Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is allowed to play:
27.01.2023 HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia

DOPS provided the following video: