Salzburg forward Ortega suspended two games

Austin Ortega (#8) of EC Red Bull Salzburg time 36:11, was involved in an incident deemed as Boarding (IIHF Rule 119). The video evidence was sent to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1- 'Careless'.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, Austin Ortega (#8) of EC Red Bull Salzburg will receive supplementary discipline under IIHF rule 119 – Boarding.

On March 21st in Salzburg, an incident occurred involving Salzburg player #8 Austin Ortega and Dornbirn player #16 Simeon Schwinger, which is deemed boarding. A 2 plus 2 minute penalty for checking to the head or neck was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, Schwinger is skating through the neutral zone with puck possession. The initial body check, which is deemed legal by Ortega on Schwinger, was done so in the manner of working to separate the puck from the puck carrier. The initial issue was when Schwinger was body checked, the puck became lodged within his fall and the puck is considered tied up under Schwinger. This is considered probable cause as to why Ortega stayed with the play on Schwinger and the puck. However and the reason for supplementary discipline is Ortega did not attempt to minimize or avoid contact. He did let up after the initial check and then re-engaged in a second check to a player that is unable to properly protect himself. Ortega took advantage of a player, who no fault of his own, was in a vulnerable position. Instead of working to minimize or avoid excessive contact, Ortega chose to take advantage of the situation and body check Schwinger in a dangerous manner to Schwinger backside. The body check causes Schwinger to be propelled defenseless into the boards. The check, as per the IIHF rule book, is deemed recklessly endangering.

Effective immediately, Austin Ortega (#8) of EC Red Bull Salzburg is suspended for 2 games and fined 500.00 Euros.

Key references:

• This is deemed boarding
• Recklessly endangering
• Category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 112 - Boarding, Austin Ortega (#8) of EC Red Bull Salzburg is suspended for 2 games and fined 500.00 Euros, effective immediately.