Release from 06.04.2026

Two games suspension for Leon Widhalm

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Leon Widhalm of EK Die Zeller Eisbären has been suspended for two games due to an incident deemed as Checking from Behind – IIHF Rule 43 – in Saturday’s semifinal match against Val Gardena. The forward will therefore miss Tuesday’s sixth semifinal clash in South Tyrol and, if Zell am See wins, the decisive seventh match on Thursday.

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Leon Widhalm (#69) of EK Die Zeller Eisbären, time 50:10, 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’.

Saturday night, April 4, in Zell am See, Zell am See forward #69 Leon Widhalm was involved in an incident deemed as Checking from Behind on Gherdeina D’Man #29 Carmine Buono.

As the video shows, following a deep shot by Zell am See into the end zone and a subsequent blocked shot on the Gherdeina goal, the puck travels behind the net. Buono retrieves the puck while facing directly toward the boards. At that exact moment, Widhalm approaches from behind and delivers a forceful check, driving Buono dangerously into the boards.

This is Checking from Behind.

While plays in the end zone often involve physical pressure and contested puck retrievals, all such actions must be executed with respect for opponent safety. Buono is in a vulnerable position, facing the boards and therefore unable to anticipate or protect himself from the impending contact. Widhalm clearly sees the back of his opponent and has sufficient time and distance to recognize the dangerous situation and adjust his approach or minimize contact. Instead, he delivers the check from behind with force, causing a dangerous impact into the boards and significantly increasing the risk of injury.

As a result, and effective immediately, the Alps Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Leon Widhalm for 2 games. 1 game for the current incident and 1 additional game due to Widhalm’s status as a repeat offender.

To summarize:

  • This is Checking from Behind
  • Directly from behind
  • Repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
22.12.2025 - 2 games - Checking from Behind - to the video

Next game Leon Widhalm (#69) of EK Die Zeller Eisbären is allowed to play:
TBA

DOPS provided the following video: