Release from 17.11.2025

One-game suspension for Pioneers forward Nathan Burke

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Nathan Burke of the Pioneers Vorarlberg was suspended for one game due to an incident deemed as Boarding in Sunday's home game against Steinbach Black Wings Linz and additionally fined 200.00 euros.

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Nathan Burke (#9) of Pioneers Vorarlberg, time 45:01 was involved in an incident deemed as Boarding (IIHF Rule 41). 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 night in Feldkirch, Pioneers forward #9 Nathan Burke was involved in an incident deemed as Boarding on Linz D-man #3 Greg Moro resulting in a 5 minute major and game misconduct being assessed. Moro did return to play.

As the video shows, the Pioneers dumped the puck into the offensive zone, with Burke fore checking and Linz defense man Moro arriving first to play the puck. As Moro approached the puck and while facing the boards, Burke closed in from behind with speed. Burke then delivered a forceful push directly to Moro’s back, propelling the defenseless player dangerously into the boards. This is Boarding.

This play meets the criteria for supplementary discipline. While Moro did make an initial play on the puck and slightly adjusted his skating path, this movement does not constitute a sudden or unexpected action that would turn an otherwise legal hit into an illegal one. From the blue line inward, Burke was skating directly behind Moro, with a clear view of his opponent’s back number the entire time. The responsibility is on Burke to avoid or minimize contact in this situation. He had sufficient time to adjust his angle of approach and apply legal body positioning. Instead, he chose to raise his hands and deliver a forceful push from behind, creating significant and unnecessary danger.

The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Nathan Burke (#9) of Pioneers Vorarlberg for 1 game and fined 200.00 euros.

To summarize:

  • This is Boarding
  • Dangerous distance to the boards
  • Not a repeat offender

Next game Nathan Burke (#9) of Pioneers Vorarlberg is allowed to play:

22.11.2025 Pioneers Vorarlberg vs. FTC-Telekom

DOPS provided the following video: