One game suspension for Ziga Urukalo (JES)

Ziga Urukalo (#8) of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice, time approximately 48:00, made contact with an opponent deemed as Slashing, IIHF Rule 159. The video evidence was sent to the AHL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 – ‘Careless’ – insufficientattentionor 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.

According to the Arbitratorand having considered the video evidence and ruling of the AHL PSC, player Ziga Urukalo (#8) of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 159 – Slashing.

On Wednesday, March 4th, (#8) Ziga Urukalo of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice, was involved in an incident deemed as slashing on HC Pustertal Wölfe forward Massimo Carozza.

As the video shows, in the D'zone zone of Jesenice, both Ziga Urukalo and Massimo Carozza engage each other while play is in the corner. As play moved across ice, Carozza keeps the battle active, by first cross checking Urukalo. This is deemed the start of some physical battling between the 2 players, which continued momentarily with a back and forth action between the 2 players.

The reason for supplementary discipline, is the last stick action Urukalo did on Carozza, which is deemed slashing in the groin area. This is a form of a spear, but the IIHF Rule Book identifies the exact type action Urukalo did with his stick directly into the groin area, in a specific rule under slashing. From the perspective of the Player Safety Committee, this type of action, in targetingthe groin area of the opposing player is disrespectful to the game, the opposing team and avoidable.

Urukalo must show more discipline and refrain from retaliatory type actions targetedand through the use of his stick that is targetedat the groin area of the opposing player.

Effectiveimmediately, Ziga Urukalo (#8) of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice is suspended for 1 game.

Key references:

• This is Slashing
• Directed at groin area
• Considered category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 125 - Slashing, Ziga Urukalo (#8) of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice, is suspended for 1 game, effectiveimmediately.

Next game Ziga Urukalo (#8) of HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice is allowed to play: 10.03.2020 Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey vs. HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice