Four-game-suspension for Matthew Pelech

Matthew Pelech (#21) of EC Panaceo VSV was involved in an incident deemed as Elbowing (IIHF Rule 139) in the road-game in Innsbruck on Friday, November 30th 2018, time 00:22. The video evidence was sent to the EBEL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which 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.  According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the EBEL PSC, player Matthew Pelech (#21) of EC Panaceo VSV will receive supplementary discipline under rule 139 – Elbowing.

 

On November 30th 2018, in Innsbruck, an incident occurred involving Villachs player #21 Matthew Pelech. With a soft dump occurring in the VSV attacking zone, Matthew Pelech as the leading and attacking player, is the first player to the puck. While entering the area of the puck, Matthew Pelech looks and is aware of the opposing player in pursuit. This type of incident can be considered interference (no puck possession) or CTH (direct head contact) or in the decision of the EBEL PSC, elbowing. Body checking is a legal play, if delivered through the use of the shoulder or hip to the opposing player in possession of the puck and delivered to the shoulder, chest or hip of the opposing player. This check fits no criteria of a legal body check. Instead, a conscious decision was made by Matthew Pelech, to not initially play the puck and instead, alter his skating position to run a pick play on the opposing player, leading with his back. The pick play resulted in his left elbow making direct contact with the opposing player head. In addition, Matthew Pelech elevated up and extended his elbow up. The opposing player has no possibility to protect himself or suspect such contact. Effective immediately, Matthew Pelech (#21) is suspended for 4 games.

With Matthew Pelech receiving 2 past suspensions in the past 24 months, he is considered a 2X repeat offender, which elevates the suspension amount by 2 times.  Matthew Pelech receives a 2 game suspension for the present incident (elbow) and an additional 2 game suspension for being a 2X repeat offender.

 

- Elbowing

- Direct contact to head of unsuspecting opponent

- Category 2 - Reckless

- 2 times repeat offender

 

 

Next game Matthew Pelech (#21) of EC Panaceo VSV is allowed to play:

21.12.2018 EC Panaceo VSV vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg

DOPS made available following video: