Suspension for Nikolaus Kraus

Nikolaus Kraus (#80) of EC-KAC was involved in an incident deemed by the on-ice officials as Elbowing (IIHF Rule 139) in the home-game vs. Fehervar AV19 on Tuesday, October 30th 2018, time 08:54. The video evidence was sent to the EBEL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 – ‘Reckless’- a deliberate and/or dangerous action with no concern for the result, with a conscious action to provoke, through intent and a willful purpose.  Injury is not the determining factor, but can be considered as influential means to the decision. According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the EBEL PSC, player Nikolaus Kraus (#80) of EC-KAC,will receive supplementary discipline under rule 139 – Elbowing.

On October 30th, in Klagenfurt, an incident occurred involving KAC player #80 Nikolaus Kraus which is deemed Elbowing.  With a soft dump of the puck, a skating race to the lose puck begins. As the video shows, the opposing player did get to the puck first. As the opposing player plays the puck, Nikolaus Kraus, skating a high rate of speed and no regard for the puck, raised his right elbow. Nikolaus Kraus right elbow was extended up and out making direct contact to the head of the opposing player.

Nikolaus Kraus had an opportunity to have a regard for the puck, use body contact through the legal use of his shoulder and avoid head contact.  The EBEL determined the elbow to be a category 2 - Reckless incident, requiring supplementary discipline. Effective immediately, Nikolaus Kraus (#80) is suspended for 2 games.

Key references:
- Elbow with contact to opponents head
- Recklessly Endangering
- Category 2 - 'Reckless'
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the EBEL Penalty Catalog Ref Nr. 115 - Elbowing, Nikolaus Kraus (#80) of EC-KAC is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately and fined 200 Euros. 

Next game Nikolaus Kraus (#80) of EC-KAC, is allowed to play:
13.11.2018 EC-KAC vs. EHC LIWEST Black Wings Linz

DOPS made available following video: