Suspension: RDP Hockey-Lapointe

2021-22 Season

September 27, 2021 

Facts:

During the second period of a September 11, 2021 exhibition game against the University of Alberta, RDP’s Mathieu Lapointe (#91) received a major and game misconduct for charging.

I have been advised by University of Alberta team staff that John Prokop sustained a concussion as a result of Mr. Lapointe’s actions. Fortunately, I understand that Mr. Prokop has been able to resume competing following a short absence.

Ruling:

Rule 8.5 of the ACAC Operating Code reads as follows:

8.5.Major Penalty for Head Contact (Amended June, 2012/April, 2016)

8.5.1. 1st Offence - One Game suspension

8.5.2. 2nd Offence - Two Game suspension

8.5.3. 3rd Offence - Indefinite suspension until reviewed by ACAC Commissioner, ACAC Convenor and/or Discipline Committee

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.

I have had the opportunity to review the attached video footage, in which Mr. Lapointe leaves his own bench, crosses both blue lines at full speed, appearing to target Mr. Prokop, before impacting Mr. Prokop’s head with force. In my opinion, the hit could have been avoided and was late given when the puck left Mr. Prokop’s stick.

RDP verbally described the incident as an “unfortunate shoulder to shoulder hit.” I disagree.

I have also taken the opportunity to review the video footage with the ACAC Hockey Convenor, the ACAC CEO and the Hockey Alberta Referee in Chief, Craig DeCoursey.

My determination of the appropriate sanction begins with a consideration Rule 8.5.1 above, which calls for an automatic minimum suspension of one (1) game for a major penalty with head contact.

Pursuant to Rule 8.5.4, I must then determine whether the automatic suspension is sufficient under the circumstances. Upon reviewing the video footage, Mr. Decoursey was unable to determine whether a match penalty should have been assessed. However, he was of the view was that this was a “predatory blindside hit that targeted the head.”

In order for a match penalty to be assessed, the referee must be of the opinion that there was intent to injure. In this case, I defer to his discretion, given that he was in position to make that subjective assessment. However, that said, a message must be sent that hits such as these cannot be tolerated within the Conference. As a result, it is my opinion that an additional suspension is warranted.

In determining the length of Mr. Lapointe’s suspension, the following factors were taken into consideration:

1. I have been provided with clear guidance from the ACAC that hits such as these will not be tolerated by the league and that the consequences in circumstances such as these must be meaningful;
2. The input received from Mr. DeCoursey, the ACAC Hockey Convenor and the ACAC CEO;
3. The length of suspension must be consistent with previous suspensions involving similar actions;
4. The nature of the hit, which involved Mr. Lapointe targeting Mr. Prokop from a great distance and then moving toward impact with significant speed and force;
5. The predatory, blindside nature of the hit;
6. Mr. Prokop was in a vulnerable position at the time of impact and was unable to sufficiently protect himself; and
7. The injury sustained by Mr. Prokop, which resulted in missed games.

Based on the above, Mr. Lapointe is hereby suspended for a total of three (3) games, to be served as follows:

• October 8, 2021 vs. UAA (Exhibition)
• October 15, 2021 vs. University of Saskatchewan (Exhibition)
• October 16, 2021 vs. University of Saskatchewan (Exhibition)

The suspension imposed as a result of this incident will be taken into account should Mr. Lapointe commit future offences.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner