Release from 21.02.2026

Ljubljana head coach Ben Cooper suspended

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Ben Cooper has been suspended for one competitive game without probation and for an additional two games on a conditional basis with a 24-month probation period for violating the Code of Ethics and the disciplinary regulations of the win2day ICE Hockey League during Friday’s game against Klagenfurt. In addition, the Olimpija Ljubljana head coach has been fined €2,600, of which €1,300 is conditional.

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Decision of the ICE Disciplinary Senate | 21.02.2026

Inappropriate conduct Benjamin Cooper Game #283 | KAC vs. OLL
The coach of Olimpija Ljubljana, Benjamin Cooper, is being sanctioned for damaging the integrity of the game in game no. 283 of the win2day ICE Hockey League on February 20, 2026, in accordance with the ICE Hockey League Game Book – Part I | Disciplinary Measures – Chapter IV Substantive Law – § 2 Disciplinary Measures and Guidelines – Para. (1) Damage to sporting integrity, a fine of EUR 2,600.00, EUR 1,300.00 of which is conditional with a probationary period of 24 months.

In addition, Benjamin Cooper is suspended for one competitive game without probation and two competitive games with probation for a period of 24 months for insulting or threatening opposing players or the audience in accordance with the win2day ICE Hockey League penalty catalog, Ref. No. 33.

Reasoning
The video recording of the relevant part of the game on 20 February 2026 leaves no doubt as to the conduct of coach Benjamin Cooper. Benjamin Cooper's conduct constitutes a clear violation of the code of ethics and the disciplinary regulations of the win2day ICE Hockey League.

Through his conduct, the coach has committed both an act of damaging Sporting integrity and an act of insulting or threatening opposing players or the audience in accordance with Part I | Disciplinary Measures. The penalty range specified for this in the ICE Game Book is a fine of EUR 500.00 to EUR 25,000.00 and, alternatively or cumulatively, a suspension of one game up to a Lifetime suspension.

The integrity of a league organization in general—and that of the win2day ICE Hockey League in particular—is the highest priority for any sports organization. In accordance with the win2day ICE Hockey League Code of Ethics, all parties belonging to the league are obliged to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles of dignity, integrity, loyalty, and responsibility in all competitive, economic, social (including social media), and moral relationships.

The win2day ICE Hockey League expressly reaffirms that disrespectful behavior and inappropriate gestures of any kind will not be tolerated and will be consistently sanctioned in order to maintain the high standards of professionalism, respect, and fair play within the league.

Aggravating circumstances: None

Mitigating circumstances: The incident took place on the players' bench within the protected team area and was neither noticed by outsiders nor visible in the Video stream. There was therefore no public impact. The matter was dealt with internally and an apology has already been issued. There was no security risk at any time.

Addendum: 50% of the fine imposed (EUR 1,300.00) and a suspension from two competitive matches are imposed conditionally, subject to a probationary period of 24 months. In the event of similar actions or statements within the next 24 months, the suspended portion of the fine will be reinstated. In accordance with the “repeat offender rule” of the win2day ICE Hockey League, any penalties will then be assessed at a 50% higher penalty rate, taking into account the currently suspended penalty.