John Hughes suspended for one one game

John Hughes (#72) of EC GRAND Immo VSV, time 48:49 was involved in an incident deemed as Slashing (IIHF Rule 61). 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, John Hughes (#72) of EC GRAND Immo VSV, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 61 – Slashing. Tuesday night in Graz, Villach forward #72 John Hughes, was involved in an incident deemed as slashing on Graz defender #71 Erik Kirchschläger.

The incident was sent to the ICEHL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required under Category 1 – ‘Careless’. As the video shows, off a Graz defending zone face-off, Kirchschläger turns to retrieve a loose puck. Following immediately behind and in pursuit, Hughes, knowing he will not be the first to the puck, raises his stick, directly to the groin area of Kirchschläger. Considering the slash was targeted at a specific area and directly from behind, not allowing Kirchschläger to be aware of the impending stick action that occurred, the stick action Hughes used, was done in an unsportsmanlike manner and targeted. It is important to note that Hughes has many option, other than the option he chose. It is acknowledge and considered common practice, for a player to use his stick in a defending manner, which can involve, the stick making contact, with the opposing player. Many of these play's that occur, are done in a targeted manner down around the bottom of the legs, which is also the area of the puck. In this incident, Hughes use his stick in a targeted manner with Kirchschläger having no means to protect or defend himself. Due to the location of the stick infraction by Hughes, this raises the infraction to a supplementary discipline level.

Key references:
- This is slashing
- Targeted slash location - Category 1 - Careless
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 126 - Slashing, John Hughes (#72) of EC GRAND Immo VSV is suspended for 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros. Next game John Hughes (#72) of EC GRAND Immo VSV is allowed to play: 11.12.2021 EC GRAND Immo VSV vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie