Release from 06.03.2024

One game suspension for Matt Fraser

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Matt Fraser of the EC-KAC was suspended for one game and fined 200,00 euros due to an incident deemed as Cross-Checking (IIHF Rule 59) on Tuesday evening at the BEMER Pioneers Vorarlberg.

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Matthew Fraser (#90) of EC-KAC, time 05:20 was involved in an incident deemed as Cross-Checking (IIHF Rule 59). 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'. Tuesday night in Feldkirch, Klagenfurt forward #90 Matthew Fraser was involved in an incident
deemed as cross-checking on Vorarlberg center-man #96 Steven Owre. Resulting in a 2-minute minor penalty being assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, Owre deflect the puck into the corner from open ice. As the pursuit to the puck occurs, Owre skates in a direct path towards the puck. With Fraser gaining ice and in a skating path directly behind Owre, simultaneously with Owre chipping the puck back, Fraser, through the use of his stick, propels Owre dangerously and forcefully from behind into the boards.

This is cross checking.

It is important to note cross checking is a common infraction that is often adequately penalized by the on-ice officials. However, in this case multiple factors combine to elevate this play to the level where supplementary discipline is required. Firstly, this is not a legal body check in hockey. Secondly, Fraser has his stick horizontal, arm extension making contact to the back at a height near the shoulder and a dangerous distance from the boards. Lastly, Fraser has ample time to make a better decision, considering he tracked Owre from open ice into the corner with a back side presence the entire time. It is a case of a player taking advantage of a vulnerable player, through the use of a stick, to a player that has no possible way to protect himself.

The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Matthew Fraser for 1 game and fined 200,00 euros.

To summarize:

  • This is cross-checking
  • Directly from behind
  • Dangerous distance from the boards

Previous suspension:
none

Next game Matthew Fraser (#90) of EC-KAC is allowed to play:
09.03.2024 BEMER Pioneers Vorarlberg vs. EC-KAC

DOPS provided the following video: