One game suspension for Maximilian Wurzer

Maximilian Wurzer (#7) of Red Bull Hockey Juniors, time 48:50, 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.

Tuesday night, March 12 in Neumarkt, Salzburg forward #7 Maximilian Wurzer was involved in an incident, deemed as cross-checking on Unterland D'Man #18 Matteo Liprandi. Resulting in a 2-minute minor penalty being assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, a pursuit to the puck occurs, Liprandi skates in a direct path towards the puck. With Wurzer gaining ice and in a skating path directly behind Liprandi, in the moment where Liprandi is in close proximity of the puck, Wurzer, through the use of his stick, propels Liprandi 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, Wurzer has his stick horizontal, arm extension making contact to the back above the pant line and a dangerous distance from the boards. Lastly, Wurzer has ample time to make a better decision, considering he tracked Liprandi 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.

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

To summarize:

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

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Maximilian Wurzer (#7) of Red Bull Hockey Juniors is allowed to play:
TBA

DOPS provided the following video: