Two games suspension for Mike Halmo

Michael Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia time 18:40, was involved in an incident deemed as checking to the head or neck (IIHF Rule 124). 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, Michael Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia will receive supplementary discipline under IIHF rule 124 – checking to the head or neck.

On January 5th in Bozen, an incident occurred involving Bozen player #91 Michael Halmo and Innsbruck player #41 Sam Herr, which is deemed checking to the head or neck. A 2+2 minute penalty was assessed by the on-ice officials.

As the video shows, the puck is chipped into the corner of the Innsbruck attacking zone. Both Herr and Halmo are in pursuit of the lose puck. Herr is in direct pursuit of the puck, has a regard for the puck and does lower his body position in a stretching manner to play the puck, but does nothing to assume responsibility to receive head contact. It is deemed Herr did know the proximity of Halmo, however had no way to protect himself.

Halmo in the initial race for the puck, had body position to gain puck possession. Instead, Halmo let up and had no regard for the puck. The PSC has determined Halmo let up in his skating approach to time the play for a body check, which as a defensive player would be considered okay if he made a legal body check. As Herr played the puck, Halmo timed the play to catch Herr in a vulnerable and unsuspecting manner, making contact to the head area. The reason for supplementary discipline, is Halmo could have played the puck, could have angled off with a legal body check and instead, reversed his skating lane and elevated up and into the head area of Herr.

Effective immediately, Michael Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is suspended for 2 games and fined 500.00 Euros. 1 game for the respective check to the head or neck incident and 1 game as a repeat offender.

Key references:
- This is deemed checking to the head or neck
- Elevation up and out
- Category 1 - Careless
- Repeat offender

From the perspective of DOPS and according to the ICE Hockey League Penalty Catalog Ref. Nr. 111 - checking to the head or neck area, Michael Halmo (#91) of HCB Südtirol Alperia is suspended for 2 game's and fined 500.00 Euros, effective immediately.
*1 game directly as a result of the present incident
**1 game as a repeat offender.

Last suspension:
22.12.2020 EC GRAND IMMO VSV vs. HCB Südtirol Alperia
3 games - IIHF 149 Interference