Three games suspension for Julian Metzler (ECB)

Julian Metzler (#68) of EC Bregenzerwald, time approximately 45:00, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking to the Head, IIHF Rule 124. The video evidence was sent to the AHL 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 AHL PSC, player Julian Metzler (#68) of EC Bregenzerwald, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 124 – Checking to the Head.

On Wednesday, January 15th, (#68) Julian Metzler of EC Bregenzerwald, was involved in an incident deemed as Checking to the Head on EC-KAC II forward (#91) Philipp Kreuzer.
As the video shows, Philipp Kreuzer has puck possession in the attacking zone. After making a move on an opposing player, Kreuzer is in open ice in the high slot area and in an opportunity to shoot the puck. With Kreuzer positioning himself to shoot and being a right hand shot, he is naturally in a position to have his left side exposed. Julian Metzler approached in a defensive manner from the left side of Kreuzer, which is the unsuspecting side. A check is considered probable when in open ice in the high slot area, but not a check where the head of Kreuzer is contacted.

The reason for supplementary discipline, is Metzler had the possibility to avoid head contact. Instead, he took advantage of an unsuspecting player. Through the use of the right arm being free, Metzler leaned up and into, with shoulder elevation, into the head area of Kreuzer. The responsibility in this type of check is on Metzler to make shoulder to body contact and avoid the head area of the opposing player. The head contact of the check, was the direct result of the cause of an apparent injury.
Effective immediately, Julian Metzler (#68) of EC Bregenzerwald is suspended for 3 games.

Key references:
- This is Checking to the Head
- Head contact avoidable
- Considered category 2 - Reckless
- Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 111 - Checking to the Head or Neck area, Julian Metzler (#68) of EC Bregenzerwald, is suspended for 3 games, effective immediately.

Next game Julian Metzler (#68) of EC Bregenzerwald is allowed to play:
Qualification Round