One-game suspension for Diego Iori (FAS)

Diego Iori (#4) of HC Fassa Falcons time approximately 39:27, 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 Diego Iori (#4) of HC Fassa Falcons, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 124 – Checking to the head or neck.

On March 13th in Fassa, an incident occurred involving Fassa player #4 Diego Iori and Feldkirch player #86 Martin Mairitsch, which is deemed checking to the head or neck. No penalty was assessed by the game officials.

As the video shows, Mairitsch, with puck possession is driving the front of the net for a scoring opportunity. As Mairitsch is making a shot, Iori, in a defensive role, makes a body check deemed illegal.

The incident was sent to the AHL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required. It is certainly within Iori's right to make a body check on a play like this. But the body check must be delivered through the use of his shoulder or hip, avoiding head contact. Instead, Lori loaded up, visible by the pattern of his stick being raised in a straight up direction (no regard for puck), the movement of raising both arms in front of his chest and then extending his arms (excessive force) to deliver contact. The extension of Iori's arm lead to direct contact to the head and neck area of Mairitsch. Delivering a check through the use of extended arms at the head of an opposing player is deemed illegal and in this case was easily avoidable.

Effective immediately, Diego Iori (#4) of HC Fassa Falcons is suspended for 1 game.

Key references:

• This is Checking to the head or neck
• Separation of body parts to deliver a check
• 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, Diego Iori (#4) of HC Fassa Falcons, is suspended for 1 game, effective immediately.

DOPS made following Video available:

Fotocredit: Vito de Romeo