Suspension Pechlaner

Philipp Pechlaner (#59) of Rittner Buam, time 31:58, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking from Behind, IIHF Rule 43. Based on the video evidence, it is determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 – ‘Careless’ – insufficient attention or thought to avoid harm or error. Liable to happen as a consequence of, by intending to affect an opponent through a reactionary or accidental motion or the incident is deemed careless causing negligence.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the AHL PSC, player Philipp Pechlaner (#59) of Rittner Buam will receive supplementary discipline under rule 43 – Checking from Behind. On Thursday night, December 23rd, in Lustenau, Rittner Buam forward, #59, Philipp Pechlaner checked Lustenau defenceman, #16 Robin Wüstner from behind, in which the game officials assessed a 5 minute + GM for Checking from Behind.

As the video shows, with a stretch pass initiated by Ritten, which caused Wüstner to skate towards his own D'Zone, exposing his backside and with Pechlaner chasing immediately behind, Wüstner was limited in his ability to protect himself. Considering Pechlaner seen the back of Wüstner, for a considerable time and about the goal line altered his skating position to not cut the lane, but instead, put himself in a position to make an excessive and forceful check from behind. The check is considered from behind, forceful and a dangerous distance from the boards, which is the reason for supplementary discipline. It is important to note, that Pechlaner, in following a player at a high speed directly at the boards, the onus is on Pechlaner to avoid backside contact.

Pechlaner must work to maintain his initial right to left skating lane for the pinch or attempted to minimize or avoid backside contact. Instead, Pechlaner took advantage of a player with limited options. The check, in addition to be on the back shoulder blades of Wüstner, was excessive in the use of Pechlaner extending his arms for additional force. Wüstner did sustain an injury from the illegal check.

Key references:
- Considered a CFB
- Excessive
- Considered category 1- Careless
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 114 - Checking from Behind, Philipp Pechlaner (#59) of Rittner Buam, is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately. All suspended games must be served based on the Alps Hockey League schedule before resumption of play is permitted in the ICE Hockey League / Alps Hockey League / ICE Young Stars League / ICE Juniors League.

Philipp Pechlaner (#59) of Rittner Buam is allowed to play: 30.12.2021 HDD SIJ Acroni Jesenice vs. Rittner Buam