One game suspension for Vienna defenseman Simon Bourque

Simon Bourque (#24) of Vienna Capitals, time 51:06 was involved in an incident deemed as an Illegal Check to the Head or Neck (IIHF Rule 48). 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'.

On Friday, March 6, in Szekesfehervar, Vienna Capitals defenseman #24 Simon Bourque was involved in an incident classified as a check to the head against Szekesfehervar forward #93 Akos Mihaly.
Resulting in a 5-minute major penalty and a game-misconduct.

As the video shows, following a center-ice faceoff, Szekesfehervar gains possession and sends the puck deep, creating a dump-and-chase into the end-zone corner. The speed of the play, as both
players attempt to reach the puck, results in a race between Bourque and Mihaly. Rather than taking a direct path to the puck, Bourque chooses to cut to his left in an effort to slow or contain Mihaly. This cutting movement leads to forceful contact, with Bourque’s shoulder making direct contact with Mihály’s head, resulting in an apparent injury. This is a check to the head.

It is important to note: Both required elements of the Check to the Head rule are met on this play. First, the head is the main point of contact. Bourque’s left shoulder makes direct and forceful
contact with the head of Mihaly. Second, the head contact is avoidable. Bourque takes an angle of approach that cuts across the front of Mihaly’s body, bypassing the core and making direct contact
with the head. In this situation, Bourque must avoid contact entirely, as Mihaly does not have puck possession. Even if contact were to occur, it must be made through the body and avoid all head
contact. Bourque fails to meet this standard.

After review, the ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has issued supplemental discipline. Simon Bourque (#24) of Vienna Capitals is suspended for 1 game and fined 200.00 euros.

To summarize:

• This is a check to the head
• Head contact is avoidable
• Not a repeat offender

Previous suspensions: none
Next game Simon Bourque (#24) of Vienna Capitals is allowed to play: TBA