Two game suspension for Anze Ropret

Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija, time 44:33 was involved in an incident deemed as Illegal Check to the Head or Neck (IIHF Rule 48). 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, Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija will receive supplementary discipline under rule 48 – Illegal Check to the Head or Neck.

Thursday night in Ljubljana, Ljubljana forward #29 Anze Ropret, was involved in an incident deemed as Illegal Check to the Head or Neck on Klagenfurt forward #46 Johannes Bischofberger. The incident was sent to the ICEHL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required under Category 1 - 'Careless.

As the video shows, with 2 players engaged in a puck pursuit, Ropret entered the puck battle as the 3rd man. The check that Ropret delivered made primary and direct contact to the head of Bischofberger. This is deemed as a Check to the Head.

It is important to note, with Bischofberger in a puck battle, his focus is not on Ropret and instead focused on the puck. Unaware of Ropret approaching, it appears Bischofberger lowered his body and head slightly. However, the cause of Bischofberger starting to fall forward is due to the stick of #14 of Olimpija, which means Bischofberger was not the cause of his body moving forward and no ability to protect himself from head contact. It is assumed that Ropret wasn't intentionally making head contact, but is still responsible for the head contact, especially as a 3rd man into a puck battle. Ropret must have a regard for the puck and initially appears to have a regard for the puck, but as seen on the video, Ropret instead lifts his stick, alters his body and made the check with no body to body contact. The primary head contact, through the right shoulder of Ropret, directly to the head of Bischofberger, did cause an apparent injury.

Key references:

• This is Illegal Contact to the Head
• Primary contact to opponents head
• Category 1 - 'Careless'
• Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the bet-at-home ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 112 - Checking to the head or neck area, Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija is suspended for 2 games and fined 400.00 Euros.

Next game Anze Ropret (#29) of HK SZ Olimpija is allowed to play: 06.01.2022 HK SZ Olimpija vs. HC Pustertal Wölfe

DOPS made following video available: