Suspension for Philipp Kreuzer

Philipp Kreuzer (#91) of EC-KAC, time approximately 56:20, made contact with an opponent deemd kicking, IIHF Rule 151. 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’.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the AHL PSC, player Philipp Kreuzer of EC-KAC, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 151 – Kicking.

On January 12th, in Dornbirn, an incident occurred, deemed as kicking, involving (#91) Philipp Kreuzer of EC-KAC. As the video shows, Philipp Kreuzer is knocked down by an opposing player in front of the Bregenzerwald net. With the opposing player remaining in a standing/upright position and located directly over top of Philipp Kreuzer - Philipp Kreuzer is in a defenseless position. It is felt that with Philipp Kreuzer in a defenseless position, feels a need to protect himself. 

The reason for supplementary discipline, is in a defenseless position or not, a player is never allowed to use his skate in a kicking motion. Philipp Kreuzer elevates his right leg for the purpose of, at minimum, pushing away the opposing player and considered a kicking motion. As per the IIHF rule book, an attempt to or kick motion is considered an automatic Match penalty which constitutes a minimum 1 game suspension. 

The AHL PSC, has determined the leg motion as an attempt to kick, as no contact was made on the opposing player. The kicking act is considered recklessly endangering.

Effective immediately, Philipp Kreuzer (#91) suspended for 1 game.

Key references:

• This is Kicking
• Considered recklessly endangering
• Considered category 1 - Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 122 - Kicking, Philipp Kreuzer (#91) of EC-KAC, is suspended for 1 game, effective immediately. 

Next game Philipp Kreuzer (#91) of EC-KAC is allowed to play:
20.01.2019 EC-KAC vs. Red Bull Hockey Juniors

DOPS made following video available: