Release from 04.12.2025

One Game Suspension for Andrew MacWilliam

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Andrew MacWilliam of HK Olimpija Ljubljana has been suspended for one game and fined 200 euros. The decision follows an incident in Wednesday’s matchup against Hydro Fehérvár, which was classified as an “Illegal check to the head or neck” (IIHF Rule 48). The defenseman will therefore miss Friday’s game against EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV.

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Andrew MacWilliam (#2) of Olimipija Ljubljana, time approximately 21:14 was involved in an incident deemed as Illegal check to the head or neck (IIHF Rule 48). The video evidence was sent to the win2day ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 - 'Careless'.

On Wednesday in Fehérvár, an incident occurred involving Ljubljana defenseman #2 Andrew MacWilliam and Fehérvár forward #17 Roland Kiss. The play in question has been reviewed and classified as an illegal check to the head or neck.

Video evidence shows Ljubljana attempting a high pass out of their defensive zone. This forces Kiss to reach up for the puck, bring it down, and then attempt to play it at ice level. During this sequence, Kiss becomes momentarily puck-focused and therefore vulnerable to a hit.

Seeing Kiss in this vulnerable position, MacWilliam ignores the puck entirely. He adjusts his approach, leans into the hit, and makes Kiss’s head the main point of contact, despite the head contact being avoidable, causing an apparent injury.

It is important to note, this action meets both criteria of an illegal check to the head or neck.
First, MacWilliam’s left shoulder makes direct and forceful contact with the head of Kiss.
Second, the head contact is deemed avoidable. MacWilliam takes an angle that cuts into the front of Kiss’s body, resulting in head contact. To deliver this check legally, he would have needed to take an approach or angle that drives through the core of the opponent, avoiding initial contact with the head.

Following review, the ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has issued supplemental discipline.
Andrew MacWilliam of Olimpija Ljubljana is suspended for one game and fined 200 euros.

To summarize:
1) This is checking to the head or neck
2) Avoidable
3) Not a repeat offender

Previous suspension:
none

Next game Andrew MacWilliam (#2) of Olimipija Ljubljanais allowed to play:
07.12.2025 HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie vs. Olimpija Ljubljana