Ljubljana's Anze Ropret handed two-game suspension for check to the head

Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija time 31:09, was involved in an incident deemed as checking to the head or neck (IIHF Rule 124). The video evidence was sent to the AHL Player Safety Committee (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 AHL PSC, player Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 124 – Checking to the head or neck.

On December 30th in Ljubljana, an incident occurred involving Ljubljana player #29 Anze Ropret and Asiago player #65 Alexander Gellert, which is deemed checking to the head or neck, causing an apparent injury. As the video shows, Ljubljana plays a stretch pass from the D'zone towards the attacking blue line. Before the pass is made, Gellert looks back and is aware of the location of Ropret, which is why Gellert maintained the ice he did, which was in an effort to break the play up. With the pass made and the puck in the air, Gellert naturally goes into a unnatural body stance in an effort to corral the puck.

Ropret, realized the pass will be intercepted and a change of possession occurred, instantly went from an attacking player to a defending player, which gives probable cause to make a body check. In making a body check, Ropret lowered his shoulder and prepared to make, what is assumed, a legal body check, determined by his body parts tucked, use of his shoulder and normal (not excessive).

The reason for supplementary discipline is Ropret, in making a body check, made an illegal body check due to significant contact to the head area of Gellert, causing an apparent injury. The check is deemed category 1 - Careless. In this case, with Gellert focused on the puck and unable to protect himself due to Ropret approaching from the back side (unsuspecting), it is the responsibility of Ropret to make shoulder to shoulder contact and avoid head area contact.

Effective immediately, Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija is suspended for 2 games.

Key references:

• This is Checking to the head or neck
• No regard for the puck
• Category 1 - 'Careless'
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 111 - Checking to the head or neck area, Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija, is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately.