Release from 27.11.2023

One-game suspension for Giorgio Panciera

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Giorgio Panciera of Hafro Cortina Hockey got suspended for one game due to a cross check in the match against Merano on Satuday.

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Giorgio Panciera (#12) of S.G. Cortina Hafro, time 46:14, made contact with an opponent deemed as Cross-Checking, IIHF Rule 59. 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.

Saturday night, November 25th, in Meran, Cortina Forward #12 Giorgio Panciera was assessed a 5-minute major plus game-misconduct for an incident deemed as cross-checking on Meran center-man #10 Nolan Ritchie.

As the video shows, Panciera gains puck possession in the neutral zone where he turns, skates to the center line and dumps the puck in. Approaching from open ice towards Panciera, in a normal defensive manner, Ritchie attempts to deliver a body check. Immediately after releasing the puck and momentarily before receiving the hit, Panciera raises his stick in a horizontal manner, making direct head contact with the head of Ritchie. This is cross-checking.

It is important to note, that this is not a stick directed towards the body that rides up the opponent. This cross check is delivered cleanly to the head area of Ritchie. As a defensive/protection type reaction, it can be assumed Panciera did not intend to strike Ritchie in this manner. But players are responsible for their sticks at all times. This is deemed a careless cross check delivered to the head area, that strikes an opponent at a dangerous height, with the force necessary to warrant supplementary discipline. Effective immediately, the Alps Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Giorgio Panciera for 1 game.

To summarize:

  • This is cross-checking
  • Stick parallel to the ice
  • Contact to opponents head

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Giorgio Panciera (#12) of S.G. Cortina Hafro is allowed to play:
02.12.2023 S.G. Cortina Hafro vs. EC-KAC Future Team


Photo: IIHF/ Vito de Romeo