Three games suspension Roberts Lipsbergs

Roberts Lipsbergs (#44) of EC Bregenzerwald, time 13:14, made contact with an opponent deemed as cross-checking, IIHF Rule 59. Based on the video evidence, it is 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.

Saturday night, in Gherdeina, Bregenzerwald forward #44 Roberts Lipsbergs was assessed a 5-minute Major and a Game-Misconduct for a cross check to the head area of Gherdeina forward #11 Kyle Gibbon, resulting in no apparent or reported injury.

As the video shows, both Lipsbergs and Gibbon engage in a 1 on 1 puck possession battle in the corner. As play unfolds, Gherdeina gains puck possession, with Gibbon moving to the front of the attacking net gaining a scoring opportunity and Lipsbergs realizing from the corner area, Gibbon is his man to cover and skates to gain a defensive position. As Lipsbergs approaches Gibbon, he draws his stick back with both hands, rises up and strikes Gibbon with force in the head area.

This is cross checking.

It is important to note that although a stick may be used as a defensive tool, this is not a routine motion to box out an opponent, to gain body position or to use the body or stick in a manner considered legal in making a defensive play. Having just been involved in a 1 on 1 battle in the corner, Lipsbergs is 1 step behind and aggressively asserts a defensive play by raising his stick significantly and creating this contact. This is a high, forceful cross check that makes contact with an opponents head, with significant force to at minimum, be at high risk of causing a serious injury, thus warranting supplementary discipline. If Lipsbergs wants to make a play, he must refrain from raising his stick to the head area of an opponent and instead, use his body or stick
as a defensive tool in a legal manner.

Effective immediately, Roberts Lipsbergs (#44) of EC Bregenzerwald is suspended for 3 games.

To summarize:

• This is cross-checking
• Forceful and Reckless
• Not a repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Roberts Lipsbergs (#44) of EC Bregenzerwald is allowed to play:
26.11.2022 Rittner Buam SkyAlps vs. EC Bregenzerwald

DOPS provided the following video: