Release from 11.10.2023

Two games suspension for Laurin Müller

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Laurin Müller of the EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel got suspended for two games, one game suspension for the current incident and one additional game as a repeat offender, due to an incident deemed as Kneeing.

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Laurin Müller (#24) of EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel, time 18:10, made contact with an opponent deemed as Kneeing, IIHF Rule 50. 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.

Saturday night, October 7th, in Klagenfurt, Kitzbühel D'Man #24 Laurin Müller was involved in an incident deemed as kneeing on Klagenfurt center-man #86 Nejc Burgar, resulting in a 5-minute major penalty and a Game-Misconduct being assessed by the on-ice officials

As the video shows, Kitzbühel is in possession of the puck in the end-zone of Klagenfurt. After Kitzbühel looses the puck a battle for the puck occurs at the end boards with Burgar getting the puck out of that battle. Müller, who is gliding down from top of the circle, reacts on Burgar's puck-win, takes 3 strides and tries to hit Burgar but misses with his upper-body, resulting in direct leg on leg contact.

This is kneeing.

With Müller reacting on the play and trying to cut the skating lane off of Burgar, it is conceivable that a body check will occur. However, on this hit Müller is missing Burgar with his upper-body making Müller's left leg the primary contact point, leading to a direct leg on leg contact. As Burgar was reacting and trying to avoid the hit, the left leg of Burgar did not absorb the full contact, otherwise it's feasible a serious injury could occur. If Müller wants to deliver a hit on this play he has to avoid the direct leg on leg contact and must lead with his upper-body.

Effective immediately, Laurin Müller (#24) of EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel is suspended for 2 games. 1 game suspension for the current incident and 1 additional game as a repeat offender.

Key references:
- This is kneeing
- Direct leg on leg contact
- Repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
14.10.2021 Steel Wings Linz vs. EC KAC Future Team
2 games - IIHF 48 Illegal Check to the Head or Neck