Release from 31.12.2021

Two game suspension for Steven Strong

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Steven Strong of the EC-KAC got suspended for two games due to an incident deemed as Kneeing. The 28-years-old Austrian international will therefore miss the Carinthian Derby on January 4th among others.

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Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC, time 55:00 was involved in an incident deemed as Kneeing (IIHF Rule 50). 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, Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC will receive supplementary discipline under rule 50 – Kneeing.

Thursday night in Ljubljana, Klagenfurt D'man #24 Steven Strong, was involved in an incident deemed as Kneeing on Ljubljana forward #29 Anze Ropret. The incident was sent to the ICEHL PSC and determined supplementary discipline is required under Category 1 - 'Careless'.

As the video shows, with an outlet pass and play moving out of the Ljubljana D'zone, Strong stepped up to make a body check. The body check was deemed illegal, in which Strong was assessed a 5/GM for kneeing.

It is important to note that Ropret had just finished serving a penalty for a CTH of a KAC player, which was a cause of the KAC player being injured. It is assumed that the check Strong made, may have been a form of frontier justice, where by a player feels the need to take justice by sending a message back. Regardless, the check that Strong made is a kneeing type action, with no body to body contact. Immediately before contact, Strong moved to his left, which can cause his left leg to be in the lead and out front. However, it is still the responsibility of Strong to be in a body position, when making a check, to make body contact through the use of his shoulder or hip and avoid leg on leg contact. The leg on leg contact was to the lower portion of both players legs, which does not excuse the fact that the potential for knee on knee, causing serious injury was possible. With Ropret receiving the puck immediately before contact and the left leg of Strong as lead contact point, Ropret had no possibility to defend or protect himself.

Key references:

  • This is Kneeing
  • Leg on leg contact
  • 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. 121 - Kneeing, Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC is suspended for 2 games and fined 300.00 Euros.

Next game Steven Strong (#24) of EC-KAC is allowed to play: 06.01.2022 EC-KAC vs. Moser Medical Graz99ers

DOPS made following video available: