One-Game suspension for Elias Koller

Elias Koller (#38) of Steel Wings Linz AG, time 02:48, made contact with an opponent deemed as checking from behind, IIHF Rule 43. Based on the video evidence, it is determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 – ‘Careless’ – insufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or error.

Liable to happen as a consequence of, by intending to affect an opponent through a reactionary or accidental motion or the incident is deemed careless causing negligence.

Thursday night in Linz, Steel Wings forward #38 Elias Koller was involved in an a checking from behind incident on Gherdeina forward #12 Giacomo Alessio, which caused an apparent injury.

As the video shows, Gherdeina begins a breakout to exit there D-Zone, Alessio skates to the boards to accept a pass from a teammate and Koller anticipates the play defensively by skating directly at Alessio. With no play on the puck, Koller makes a decision to hit Alessio, who is facing the the boards with his back exposed. The hit Koller delivers is directly from behind, a dangerous distance from the boards.

This is checking from behind.

It is important to note, this is not a incident where Alessio alters his body immediately before or is considered the cause of back side impact. Koller is aware and has a visible look at the back numbers of Alessio from mid ice until contact. Although not overly aggressive, the incident was raised to supplementary discipline due to direct contact from behind, the majority of contact through the hands and arms of Koller and the contact is above the pant line, propelling the upper body/head area of Alessio into the boards. If Koller wants to deliver this check in a legal fashion, he must avoid backside contact, avoid the use of his hands and arms or avoid the hit entirely, when the back number of the opponent is the contact point.

Effective immediately, the Alps Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Elias Koller for 1 game.

To summarize:

• This is checking from behind
• Opponent's back # visible
• Contact to back

Next game Elias Koller (#38) of Steel Wings Linz AG is allowed to play:
03.01.2024 Steel Wings Linz AG vs. SHC Fassa Falcons

DOPS made following video available: 

Fotocredit: SWL Facebook-Page lichtwerkstatt.eu