Mike Zalewski (VIC) suspended for one game

Mike Zalewski (#40) of spusu Vienna Capitals, time approximately 06:35 was involved in an incident deemed as Elbowing (IIHF Rule 139). The video evidence was sent to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1- 'Careless'.

According to the Arbitratorand having considered the video evidence and ruling of the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga PSC, Mike Zalewski (#40) of spusu Vienna Capitals, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 139 – Elbowing.

On December 28th in Vienna, an Elbowing incident occurred involving spusu Vienna Capitals Center'Man (#40) Mike Zalewski on EHC LIWESTBlack Wings Linz D'Man (#92) Troy Rutkowski.

As the video shows, Vienna is in possession of the puck in the attacking zone. Mike Zalewski, being the first to the puck, is in a position to gain possession and control, which occurs when Zalewski stops the puck along the boards. As a defending player, Troy Rutkowski is entering the area to make a defensive play on Zalewski. With Rutkowski approaching, Zalewski is aware and knows the approach angle of Rutkowski. Instead of maintaining playing the puck or preparing for a check, Zalewski removes his bottom hand of his stick to put himself in a body position to do a reverse hit. This allows Zalewski to start with his left arm reversing, along with his body in a backwards and upwards position. The follow up and reason for supplementary discipline of this type of action, is the right arm, which disengages the puck and reverses back and up, contacting Rutkowski in the head area.

These types of offensive reverse picks are deemed illegal. It can be deemed as a form of head contact, elbowing or interference,in the sense of Rutkowski never having puck possession or the ability to properly protect himself. Furthermore,with Zalewski fully aware of his surroundings, he must work to maintain puck possession by either properly preparing for a body check or maintain moving his feet in a forward manner, instead of disregarding the puck and reversing.

Effective immediately, Mike Zalewski (#40) of spusu Vienna Capitals is suspended for 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros.

Key references:

• This is Elbowing
• Contact to the head area
• Category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 115 Elbowing, Mike Zalewski (#40) of spusu Vienna Capitals is suspended for 1 game and fined 250.00 Euros, effective immediately.

Next game Mike Zalewski (#40) of spusu Vienna Capitals is allowed to play:
01.01.2020spusu Vienna Capitals vs. Hydro Fehervar AV 19

DOPS made following video available: