Gherdeina's Max Oberrauch suspended two games

Max Oberrauch (#6) of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it, time 14:33, made contact with an opponent deemed as Illegal Check to the head or neck, IIHF Rule 48. Based on the video evidence, it is determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 – ‘Careless’ – insufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or error. Liable to happen as a consequence of, by intending to affect an opponent through a reactionary or accidental motion or the incident is deemed careless causing negligence.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the AHL PSC, player Max Oberrauch (#6) of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 48 – Checking to the head or neck area.

On Tuesday September 14th, #6-Max Oberrauch of HC Gherdeina, was involved in an incident deemed as checking to the head or neck area. With play ensuing in the Asiago D'zone, Asiago gains puck possession in the far corner area. With Asiago electing to pass the puck along the back wall, creating a lose puck along the far side hash mark area. What is important to note with the play, is the reverse wrap around, was a cause for the players to shift to a reverse lateral cross ice pattern, which can cause situations of unsuspecting incidents.

As the video shows, an unsuspecting incident did occur, that is deemed illegal, through Oberrauch delivering an illegal check on Asiago player #14 Matteo Tessari. With the puck being reversed, Tessari is located in the slot area to reverse and skate in pursuit of the puck. His skating lane is directly to the side boards and his sight line is puck focused. Simultaneously, Oberrauch located initially in the high slot area, must engage in a skating path directly at the side boards, initially in pursuit of the puck and at minimum limiting the angle of Tessari ability to skate out of the Asiago D'zone with the puck.

The reason for supplementary discipline, is the body check Oberrauch delivered on Tessari is considered a check to the head area. Oberrauch had no regard for the puck, as the video shows, Oberrauch already began to prepare for a check, long before the arrival of the puck and dropped his left arm to fully engage and create excessiveness. Instead on minimizing or angling, Oberrauch took advantage of an unsuspecting Tessari by squaring up on a direct contact approach. The responsibility is on Oberrauch to approach accordingly and avoid head contact. Additionally, Tessari, did not have puck possession and in the process of attempting to chip the puck ahead, Oberrauch delivered a check, which gave Tessari no way to protect himself.

Effective immediately, Max Oberrauch (#6) of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it is suspended for 2 games.

Key references:

• Illegal check to the head or neck area
• Unsuspecting with head contact deemed avoidable
• Considered category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 112 - Checking to the Head or Neck, Max Oberrauch (#6) of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it, is suspended for 2 game's, effective immediately.

Next game Max Oberrauch (#6) of HC Gherdeina valgardena.it is allowed to play:
25.09.2021 EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel vs. HC Gherdeina valgardena.it

Photo: Andreas Senoner