Release from 03.02.2017

Suspension for Anton Bernard – HCB Südtirol Alperia

Anton Bernard of HCB Südtirol Alperia got suspended by DOPS for two games, because of Checking from Behind.

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Anton Bernard of HCB Südtirol Alperia got suspended by DOPS for two games, because of Checking from Behind.

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According to the Arbitrator and after reviewing video evidence, player Anton Bernard (#18) of HCB Südtirol Alperia, time 23:42, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking From Behind IIHF Rule 123. As per the EBEL Fundamental Rules V. 5,1 (b), video evidence was sent to PSC(IDOPS) for a final verdict. From the perspective of DOPS, it is clear that Anton Bernard (#18) demonstrated a motion on the opposing player that is defined in the IIHF Rule Book as checking from behind.
 
On February 2nd in Bolzano, Anton Bernard (#18) of HCB Südtirol Alperia delivered a body check that is considered checking from behind. As the video shows, the opposing player skates in the direction of the puck in a battle with a Bolzano player. During the battle for the puck, the opposing player skates to his left with the puck in his feet. With the attention of the opposing player being on both the position of the puck in his feet and the original Bolzano player, the opposing player was unsuspecting of the body check delivered by Anton Bernard. The body check was raised to disciplinary action. With Anton Bernard being unsuspecting to the opposing player and considered the 3rd man into the battle for a puck, the responsibility is on Anton Bernard to deliver a legal body check. The body check is deemed illegal due to making contact to the back number of the opposing player, which propelled the opposing player into the boards in a dangerous and reckless manner. The opposing player did sustain an injury. Anton Bernard is suspended for 2 games for checking from behind, effective immediately.
 
Key references:
- Contact to opposing players back
- Opponent unable to protect himself
- Unsuspecting to opposing player
- Not a repeat offender
 
From the perspective of DOPS and according to the EBEL Penalty Catalog Ref Nr. 113 – Boarding, Anton Bernard (#18) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately and fined €300.00.
 
Next game Anton Bernard (#18) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is allowed to play: 17.02.2017 HCB Südtirol Alperia vs. UPC Vienna Capitals.
 
DOPS made available following video: