Release from 24.03.2025

Two games suspension for Massimo Pietroniro

Short text 169 CharactersPlain text

Massimo Pietroniro of HC Meran/o Pircher got suspended for two games due to an incident deemed as Fighting, IIHF Rule 46, in quarter-final 7 at the Rittner Buam SkyAlps.

Press release 2036 CharactersPlain text

Massimo Pietroniro (#7) of HC Meran/o Pircher, time 56:45, made contact with an opponent deemed as Fighting IIHF Rule 46. 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, March 22, in Ritten, Meran center-man #7 Massimo Pietroniro was involved in an incident on Ritten forward #3 David Tauferer deemed as fighting, in which he was assessed a major penalty, causing an apparent inury.

As the video shows, during an ongoing altercation in front of Ritten's bench, Pietroniro and Tauferer are engaged in a battle. The 2 players separate when the Linesperson enters. Immediately following, Pietroniro remains facing the players bench, prompting Tauferer to skate back in the vicinity of Pietroniro. Tauferer approaches in a calm, non-aggressive manner, showing no willing sign to fight. Pietroniros reaction was immediately aggressive, by dropping his gloves, grabbing the neck area of the jersey of Tauferer and bringing his right arm back to throw a punch. The forceful, bare knuckle punch was directed right at the head of Tauferer.

This is fighting

It is important to note, Tauferer gave no clear indication he was a willing combatant. While we understand confrontations occur in the heat of the moment, the onus remains on the player throwing the punch to ensure that he is facing a willing combatant.

Effective immediately, the Alps Hockey League Department of Player Safety has suspended Massimo Pietroniro for 2 games.

To summarize:

  • This is fighting
  • Overly aggressive
  • Not a repeat offender

Previous suspensions:
none

Next game Massimo Pietroniro (#7) of HC Meran/o Pircher is allowed to play:
TBA

DOPS provided the following video: