One game suspension for Janez Orehek (HKO)

Janez Orehek (#68) of HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana, time 35:50, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking from Behind, IIHF Rule 123. 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’ – insufficientattentionor thought to avoid harm or error. Liable to happen as a consequence of, by intending to affectan opponent through a reactionary or accidental motion or the incident is deemed careless causing negligence.

According to the Arbitratorand having considered the video evidence and ruling of the AHL PSC, player Janez Orehek (#68) of HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 123 – Checking from Behind.
Thursday night in Cortina; HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana forward Janez Orehek (#68) was assessed a 2+2 minute call by the on ice officials for Checking from Behind on the Cortina D-Man Nick Bruneteau (#2).

As the video shows, a race for a lose puck is occurring in the Cortina defensive zone. With the puck located in the corner, Janez Orehek is skating from the blue line and Nick Bruneteauis skating from the high slot, both at a high rate of speed. Bruneteau gains an ice advantage to the puck with a presence in front of Orehek, which becomes clear before the goal line. With Bruneteauin front of Orehek, Bruneteau'sback # is showing, which should be a red flag to Orehek to either angle off or let up in making contact from behind. Instead, Orehek has no regard for the puck and shoves Bruneteau into the end boards directly from behind. The shove is in the upper body of Bruneteau which means, Bruneteau had no way to protect himself. Orehek took advantage of a player in a defenseless position. The skating lane of Bruneteau did not alter immediately before contact, making Orehek responsible. Orehek must refrain from checking players directly in the back # and instead either minimize or avoid contact.
Effective immediately, Janez Orehek (#68) of HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana is suspended for 1 game.

Key references:

• This is Checking from behind
• Opposing player is defenseless
• Considered category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 113 - Checking from Behind, Janez Orehek (#68) of HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana, is suspended for 1 game, effectiveimmediately.

Next game Janez Orehek (#68) of HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana is allowed to play:
02.01.2020 Rittner Buam vs. HK SZ Olimpija Lubljana