Suspension: SAIT Hockey-Dumba Threat |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2019-20 SeasonMarch 6, 2020
RDC Men's Hockey player Austin Hunter (#14) received a major and game misconduct for head contact during a February 28, 2020 game against SAIT. According to the referee, this was a blindside hit which originated at the chest/shoulder of SAIT's Erik Krienke (#16) but the follow through resulted in head contact. I have been advised that Mr. Krienke did not play the following night and I have been provided with medical substantiation that Mr. Krienke is currently in concussion protocol. Article I Section 12 Rule 8.5 of the ACAC Operating Code applies to this incident: 8.5. Major Penalty for Head Contact (Amended June, 2012/April, 2016) 8.5.1. 1st Offence - One Game suspension 8.5.4. Any major penalty called in a game that has contact to the head must be reviewed by video. i.e the major penalty can be changed to a match penalty. Pursuant to Rule 8.5.4 I have reviewed video footage of the incident, which is attached to this ruling. Hockey Canada Rule 6.5, which deals with head contact, allows a referee the discretion to impose a match penalty where a player "deliberately attempts to injure an opponent." I have taken the opportunity to have Craig DeCoursey, Hockey Alberta's Referee in Chief, review the video footage. It was Mr. DeCoursey's opinion that the call on the ice was correct. He saw no evidence to support a match penalty or an increased suspension, calling it a "very standard major/game misconduct." Accordingly, I am not in a position to interfere with the judgment exercised by the on ice official. Therefore, Mr. Hunter is hereby suspended for one (1) game, to be served as follows: February 29, 2020 vs. SAIT (served) Regards, |
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