Suspension for Rostislav Snajnar

Rostislav Snajnar (#18) of HC Orli Znojmo was involved in an incident deemed by the on-ice officials as Checking from Behind (IIHF Rule 123) in the home-match  against Leader Vienna Capitals on Sunday, October, 14th 2018, time 11:29.. The video evidence was sent to the EBEL 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 EBEL PSC, player Rostislav Snajnar (#18) of HC orli Znojmo will receive supplementary discipline under rule 123 – Checking from behind.

On October 14th 2018, in Znojmo, an incident occurred involving Znojmo player #18 Rostislav Snajnar which is deemed a Check from Behind. With the puck passed along the back wall, a Vienna player enters the corner to play the puck. The opponent, at the goal line, did look and was aware (suspecting) of Rostislav Snajnar skating in his direction. When the opponent played the puck, he immediately altered his skating position to appear to reversing the play. The reverse play brought the opponent to a stop, about 1 meter from the boards, with the puck located between himself and the boards and his choice to expose his back to the open ice. This is in part, the cause, of the apparent check from behind.  But not the determining factor for force and excessiveness.

Snajnar, originally located in the upper part of the face-off circle when the puck pursuit began, skated immediately in the direction of the puck. When the opponents back was first engaged to open ice, Rostislav Snajnar is in front of the goal line, a much greater distance than a stick/arm's length. The EBEL PSC has determined that with the opponents back exposed a far enough distance for Rostislav Snajnar to minimize or alter the force applied directly to the back of the opponent, causing the opponent to propelled into the boards. Rostislav Snajnar had time to alter his skating lane (angle into opponent), minimize and most important, avoid direct contact to the opponents back. Effective immediately, Rostislav Snajnar (#18) is suspended for 1 game.

Key references:
- Directly from behind

- Did not alter or work to minimize contact
- Category 1 - 'Careless'
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the EBEL Penalty Catalog Ref Nr. 113 - Checking from behind, Rostislav Snajnar (#18) of HC orli Znojmo is suspended for 1 game, effective immediately and fined 100 Euro. 

Next game Rostislav Snajnar (#18) of HC Orli Znojmo is allowed to play:
21.10.2018: HC TWK Innsbruck "die Haie" vs. HC Orli Znojmo