Release from 21.11.2024

Two games suspension for Julian Metzler

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Julian Metzler of the Pioneers Vorarlberg got suspended for two games and fined 500.00 Euros due to an incident deemed as Cross-Checking (IIHF Rule 59) in the game against Linz, on Wednesday, November 20. The 24-year-old forward will therefore miss the matches against Asiago on Friday and Salzburg next Wednesday.

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Julian Metzler (#25) of Pioneers Vorarlberg, time 27:11 was involved in an incident deemed as Cross-Checking (IIHF Rule 59). The video evidence was sent to the win2day ICE Hockey League PSC, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 - 'Reckless'.

Wednesday night, November 20, in Feldkirch, Vorarlberg forward #25 Julian Metzler was assessed a 5-minute major penalty and a game-misconduct for an incident deemed as cross-checking on Linz D'man #3 Greg Moro.

As the video shows, with a 200' stretch play, tipped in the neutral zone and designed to get the puck deep behind the opposing teams 'D'. Combined with the fact the Linz goalie attempted to play the puck behind the net, but missed. The play become broken in a matter of less than a second. With both Moro and Metzler having to adjust to play quickly, Metzler reacts by raising his stick horizontal and gave a push to a dangerous area of Moro, causing him to travel dangerously into the boards.

This is cross-checking.

It is important to note cross checking is a common infraction that is often adequately penalized by the on-ice officials. However, in this case multiple factors combine to elevate this play to the level where supplementary discipline is required. Firstly, this is not a legal body check or play in hockey. Secondly, Metzler has his stick horizontal, arm extension making contact to the back, at a height above the pants and a dangerous distance from the boards. Lastly, both players are traveling at a high rate of speed, in a direct path toward the boards. It is a case of a player recklessly endangering a vulnerable player, through the use of a stick, to a player that has no possible way to protect himself.

The ICE Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Julian Metzler for 2 games and fined 500.00 euros.

To summarize:

  • This is cross-checking
  • Dangerous distance from the boards
  • Not a repeat offender

Previous suspension:
none

Next game Julian Metzler (#25) of Pioneers Vorarlberg is allowed to play:
29.11.2024 Pioneers Vorarlberg vs. Moser Medical Graz99ers

DOPS provided the following video: