Release from 16.10.2017
Steven Strong of EC-KAC got suspended by DOPS for five games, because of Checking to the Head or Neck.
According to the Arbitrator and after reviewing video evidence, the player Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC in the game vs. Vienna Capitals, on Sunday, October 15th 2017 time 49:26, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking to the Head or Neck, IIHF Rule 124. 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 Steven Strong (#24) demonstrated a motion on the opposing player that is defined in the IIHF Rule Book as Checking to the Head or Neck.
On October 15th in Klagenfurt an incident occurred involving KAC player #24 Steven Strong. A pass occurred up the boards from the corner of the Vienna D-Zone to #17 of Vienna. Vienna #17, Jerome Samson, was positioned against the boards with his focus on retrieving the puck. As Samson was attempting to gain possession of the puck, he positioned himself tight against the boards in anticipation of a body check.
The play was sent to the EBEL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required. It has been determined that Steven Strong read the pass coming up the boards. In an attempt to make a legal body check, Steven Strong proceeded directly at Vienna #17 in a 90* motion to the opposing player and boards. In doing so, when Strong made contact, there was slight elevation upwards and outwards, which caused contact to the opposing players head. Significant force was generated, which caused the right shoulder of Steven Strong to contact, force and drive the opposing player's head into the boards causing a game ending injury.
The EBEL PSC determined the CTH to be a 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. At the discretion of the EBEL PSC, deliberate contact is when a conscious decision is made for the purpose to inflict punishment that may be deemed by the on ice Officials as a major penalty.
With Steven Strong receiving 1 past suspension in the past 24 months, he is considered a repeat offender. Steven Strong (#24) receives a 3 game suspension for the present incident and an additional 2 game suspension for repeat offender. Effective immediately, Steven Strong (#24) is suspended for 5 games.
Key references:
- Elevation upward and outward
- Contact to opposing players head
- Force the opponents head into the glass
- A repeat offender
From the perspective of DOPS and according to the EBEL Penalty Catalog Ref Nr. 111 - Checking to the Head or Neck, Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC is suspended for 5 games, effective immediately.
Next game Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC is allowed to play:
05.11.2017 vs. EC Red Bull Salzburg
DOPS made available following video: