Two-game suspension for Anthony Bardaro (HCB)

Anthony Bardaro (#81) of HCB Südtirol Alperia time approximately 47:44, was involved in an incident deemed as Interference (IIHF Rule 149). The video evidence was sent to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 - 'Careless'.

According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League PSC, Anthony Bardaro (#81) of HCB Südtirol Alperia will receive supplementary discipline under IIHF rule 149 – Interference.

On February 16th in Vienna, an incident occurred involving Bozen player #81 Anthony Bardaro and Vienna player #10 Patrick Antal, which is deemed Interference. No penalty was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, with play in the Bozen D-zone, Bozen player #44-Plastino chips the puck around the boards. With Vienna player #10-Antal curling up ice to retrieve the loose puck, Bozen player #81-Bardaro makes a body check on Antal deemed illegal under Interference.

It is important to note, Bardaro play was to block out, pinch off or body check, which is deemed a reverse counter pinch. He had support from his D and coming in from that angle to the puck, if Bardaro only tried to play the puck, he would have risked that Antal was able to chip the puck to his D'man, which is Bardaro's man to cover in the D'zone, so its considered likely that Bardaro had to make the pick.

What Bardaro should have done is angled off and maintained a regard for the puck. Instead, he realized an opportunity to make a forceful body check, which is considered a predatory type check. By taking a direct skating approach, lowering his right arm and through slight elevation, ignored the puck path and instead delivered a forceful body check. The check is not considered separating the puck from the puck carrier, as Antal never had possession or control of the puck. It is Bozen that chipped the puck ahead and with Antal trying to create puck possession, Bardaro does have a responsibility to have, at minimum, a regard for the puck, which would be done by a pinch or curl up ice to create a shoulder to shoulder type check.

The incident was sent to the PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required. It is not deemed a CTH and is deemed an Interference play. It was also taken into consideration that Antal lowered his head to work towards retrieving the puck. In knowing that Bardaro was approaching, if there was any form of head contact, it was not deemed Bardaro was the cause or targeting the head.

Effective immediately, Anthony Bardaro (#81) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is suspended for 2 games and fined 400.00 Euros.

Key references:

• This is deemed Interference
• Predatory type body check
• Category 1
• Careless
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 151 - Interference, Anthony Bardaro (#81) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is suspended for 2 games and fined 400.00 Euros, effective immediately.

DOPS made following video available: