Release from 04.12.2019

Seven games suspension for Michael Kernberger

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EC-KAC defender Michael Kernberger got suspended for seven games for an incident deemed as Boarding.

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Michael Kernberger (#65) of EC-KAC, time 31:30 was involved in an incident deemed as Boarding (IIHF Rule119). The video evidence was sent to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga Committee (PSC), which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 3 - 'Intentional'.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga PSC, Michael Kernberger (#65) of EC-KAC, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 119 –Boarding.

Tuesday night in Vienna, EC-KAC D'Man (#65) Michael Kernberger was penalized a 5 Minute + GM for Boarding spusu Vienna Capitals forward (#61) Patrick Kittinger. As the video shows, Kittinger is attempting to gain puck possession as Kernberger pursues from the backside. With Kittinger never having possession or control of the puck, his attention is naturally at the puck. At the same time Kernberger delivers a shove to the backside of Kittinger, causing a violent crash, directly into the boards. This is Boarding.

It is important to note Kernberger is in control and responsible for this play. Kernberger must know and certainly can see Kittinger's back #'s from the neutral zone to the point of the shove. This in not a case of Kittinger turning his back prior to contact, in a way that turns a legal play into a illegal play.
Furthermore - while the shove is not delivered with exceptional force, it was also not a case of Kernberger attempting to make a legal play, in putting his hands on the back to engage and than guide or direct. Instead, it was the use of the stick in a cross checking manner directly on backside.
The shove was delivered at an extremely dangerous distance from the boards, while both players are traveling with speed. Also, delivered in a manner that sends Kittinger directly and head first into the boards and not at an angle that may minimize the danger.

An avoidable and forceful shove, directly from behind to a player that is not in a position to adequately protect himself must be eliminated from the game. A shove that causes a player to dangerously and directly impact the boards head first, is deemed recklessly endangering and in this case, caused an apparent injury.

Effective immediately, Michael Kernberger (#65) of EC-KAC is suspended for 7 games and fined 700.00 Euros.

Key references:

  • Boarding
  • Dangerous distance from boards
  • Category 3 - Intentional
  • Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 112- Boarding, Michael Kernberger (#65) of EC-KAC is suspended for 7 game and fined 700.00 Euros, effective immediately.

Next game Michael Kernberger (#65) of EC-KAC is allowed to play:
30.12.2019 EC Panaceo VSV vs. EC-KAC

A suspension given within any of the ERSTE BANK Eishockey Liga affiliated leagues, inclusive of ERSTE BANK Eishockey Liga, Alps Hockey League, ERSTE BANK Young Stars League or ERSTE BANK Juniors League, must be served in its entirety based on the suspended games within the league in which the suspension occurred. A suspended player or coach is not permitted to participate in the ERSTE BANK Eishockey Liga or its affiliate leagues until the suspension is served in its entirety, based on the league in which the suspension occurred.