Two-game suspension for Andreas Lutz

Andreas Lutz (#24) of Rittner Buam time 21:18, made contact with an opponent deemed as Kneeing, IIHF Rule 152. The video evidence was sent to the AHL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which 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 Andreas Lutz (#24) of Rittner Buam, will receive supplementary discipline under rule 152 – Kneeing. Saturday, night in Ritten; Rittner Buam D'Man (#24) Andreas Lutz of Rittner Buam, kneed EC 'Die Adler' Stadtwerke Kitzbühel forward #20 Patrick Bolterle.

As the video shows, with Bolterle on the back check and making a play to cause a neutral zone turnover, immediately reversed his skating lane to gain puck possession. The turnover causes a quick change in play. Due to a reverse in play and turnover, Bolterle does a great job of making himself aware Lutz is approaching in a lane directly at Bolterle. It also limited Bolterle to maintain his puck approach and skating lane, not only to the puck, but immediately after release of the puck. Lutz aware of a neutral zone turnover and as trailing man, stepped up to make a defensive play. This is considered normal and part of the game. If Lutz would have made some form of body to body contact or a poke check, the play would be considered a routine play.

However, in this incident, Lutz made no body to body contact. Instead, he lead with a lead leg while gliding into the check. It began with a incorrect approach to the check. Lutz's lead leg was the first point of contact, the primary point of contact and is considered a knee to leg contact. The on-ice officials called a 2+2 kneeing call. There was no reported injury, but checks where the knee is the main and lead contact to the opposing player are deemed dangerous with a high potential of injury. Lutz must skate to gain an angle and avoid head on approach contact. He also
must avoid the use of his knee for the use of contact.

Effective immediately, Andreas Lutz (#24) of Rittner Buam is suspended for 2 games. 1 game suspension for the kneeing incident and 1 game under the AHL repeat offender rule, for a total of 2 games.

Key references:
- This is Kneeing
- Leads with knee to make knee contact
- Considered category 1 - Careless
- Repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 120 - Kneeing, Andreas Lutz (#24) of Rittner Buam, is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately. 1 game for the kneeing incident and 1 game under the repeat offender regulations.

Next game Andreas Lutz (#24) of Rittner Buam is allowed to play:
05.12.2019 Migross Supermercati Asiago Hockey vs. Rittner Buam