One game suspension for Patrick Spannring

Patrick Spannring (#61) of BEMER Pioneers Vorarlberg, time 19:33 was involved in an incident deemed as Checking from Behind (IIHF Rule 43). 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'.

Sunday morning in Graz, Feldkirch forward #61 Patrick Spannring was involved in an incident deemed as Checking from Behind on Graz forward #67 Patrik Kittinger resulting in an apparent injury and a 5-minute major penalty plus game-misconduct being assessed.

As the video shows, with Kittinger skating directly towards a loose puck, Spannring follows in pursuit. As the play begins to develop around the top of the circle Spannring is located directly behind Kittinger, as the 2 maintained a skating lane directly at the puck. The moment Kittinger plays the puck, Spannring delivers a hard, forceful check directly to the back of Kittinger, causing an injury.
This is checking from behind.

It is important to note the Kittinger is in no way eligible to be checked directly to the back numbers on this play. As neither player chose a path towards the boards other than directly at the boards, it is the responsibility of Spannring to at minimum alter his speed, and preferably avoid contact directly to the back of Kittinger. In addition it is deemed Spannring is aware and has time to alter such contact. The result of this play is a body check to a vulnerable player not eligible to be hit forcefully and directly from behind.

The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Patrick Spannring for 1 game and fined 200.00 euros.

To summarize:
1) This is checking from behind
2) Direct contact into opponents back
3) Dangerous distance from boards

Previous suspension:
none

Next game Patrick Spannring (#61) of BEMER Pioneers Vorarlberg is allowed to play:
08.10.2023 BEMER Pioneers Vorarlberg vs. HC TIWAG Innsbruck - Die Haie