One game suspension for Nikita Ushnev (SGC)

Nikita Ushnev (#61) of S.G. Cortina Hafro, time 28:06, made contact with an opponent deemed as Slashing, IIHF Rule 61. 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.

Sunday night, October 6th, in Neumarkt, Cortina forward #19 Nikita Ushnev was involved in an incident deemed as slashing on Unterland forward #67 Oliver Smith.

As the video shows, Smith is on a break-away and has no one between the opposing goaltender and himself. In an attempt to make a defensive play and skating directly behind, Ushnev brings his stick back and delivers a reckless and forceful swing in a baseball swing manner.

This is slashing.

It is important to note, stick fouls are commonly used in hockey and when illegal, are adequately punished by the on ice officials. The reason this slash raised to supplementary discipline is the more than normal back swing, the hands together to propel the stick and the forceful manner in which the slash was delivered. The PSC did take into consideration that the slash Ushnev delivered did not land in a vulnerable area on the opposing player, which did diminish the act to a lesser suspension than if the stick delivery was located higher or to a vulnerable area of the opposing player.

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

To summarize:

• This is slashing
• Forceful and reckless
• Not a repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Nikita Ushnev (#19) of S.G. Cortina Hafro is allowed to play:
12.10.2024 SIJ Acroni Jesenice vs. S.G. Cortina Hafro

DOPS provided the following video: