Release from 08.02.2022

Two game suspension for Gianluca March

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Gianluga March of SHC Fassa Falcons got suspended for two games because of an incident deemed as Checking from Behind. The incident occured in the match against S.G. Cortina Hafro on Saturday, February 5th. The next game March is allowed to play will be on February 24th against the EHC Lustenau.

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Gianluca March (#86) of SHC Fassa Falcons, time 19:58, made contact with an opponent deemed as Checking from Behind, IIHF Rule 43. Based on the video evidence, it is 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 Gianluca March (#86) of SHC Fassa Falcons will receive supplementary discipline under rule 43 – Checking from Behind.

On Saturday night, February 5th, in Cortina an incident occurred, deemed as checking from behind. Fassa player, #86, Gianluca March delivered an illegal check on SGC player #21, Riccardo Lacedelli in which March was assessed a 2+2 penalty.

As the video shows, after receiving a pass from a teammate in which the puck ended up being chipped ahead, Lacedelli followed the puck. As March closes in and following directly behind, Lacedelli maintains his skating lane, unaware and unable to protect himself. March, with sufficient time to recognize the situation and make a better decision, rest his hands on the back of Lacedelli and with a push, drives Lacedelli dangerously into the wall.

This is considered a CFB.
It is important to note, this is not a case of a player turning or altering his position in a way that turns a legal hit into an illegal hit. March is located behind Lacedelli for a considerable distance and time enough to make a better choice. From just beneath the hash marks till the moment March delivers the check, he see's nothing but Lacedelli back number. The onus is on March to avoid backside contact, chose a better path and avoid a dangerous and careless action.

Key references

  • Directly from behind
  • Opponent unable to protect himself
  • Considered category 1
  • Not a repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the AHL Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 114 - Checking from behind, Gianluca March (#86) of SHC Fassa Falcons, is suspended for 2 games, effective immediately.

All suspended games must be served based on the Alps Hockey League schedule before resumption of play is permitted in the ICE Hockey League / Alps Hockey League / ICE Young Stars League / ICE Juniors League.

Next game Gianluca March (#86) of SHC Fassa Falcons is allowed to play:
24.02.2022 EHC Lustenau vs. SHC Fassa Falcons

DOPS provided following video: