Date
January 6, 2022
Teams
Marlies, Spartans
Details
The game between the Marlies and Spartans was ended early due to an altercation late in the third period.
A Spartans player delivered a check to the back of a Marlies player as they were exiting the ice. The Marlies player turned around and retaliated with a 2-hand overhand swing of their stick at the closest Spartans player, who did not deliver the initial hit. Upon seeing this, the initial Spartans player enters into an altercation with the Marlies player, which takes place on the half boards in front of the Marlies bench.
At this time another Spartans player (recipient of the 2-handed slash) enters the altercation as the 3rd-person-in. 2 Marlies players, who are already on the ice, also enter the altercation. A Marlies player comes off the bench to enter the altercation. A Marlies player exits the penalty box, prior to the penalty ending, and steps onto the ice. A player on the Marlies bench physically engages with the altercation.
Post game review, it was determined a Marlies player was not properly ejected from the game after receiving 3 minor penalties / 6 penalty minutes.
Post game review, it was determined a Marlies player engaged in a play early in the third period with a high probability of causing injury.
Result
- A Spartans player was suspended for 3 games (3 for a combination of receiving a misconduct, unsportsmanlike-like behaviour). Additionally they have been placed on probation for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season.
- A Spartans player was suspended for 3 games (3 for 3rd-person-in during an altercation)
- A Marlies player was suspended for 6 games (3 for unsafe conduct, 3 for a combination of coming off the bench during an altercation and joining an altercation)
- A Marlies player was suspended for 3 games (3 for 3rd-person-in during an altercation)
- A Marlies player was suspended for 3 games (3 for 3rd-person-in during an altercation)
- A Marlies player was suspended for 1 game (1 for receiving a double misconduct (10 min))
- A Marlies player was suspended for 1 game (1 for receiving a misconduct)
- A Marlies player was suspended for 2 games (1 for accumulating 6 penalty minutes, 1 for a combination of leaving the penalty box prior to the end of a penalty and unsportsmanlike-like behaviour)
- Additionally, instruction has been provided to the officiating team to not allow penalised players to continue verbally engaging other players while on the ice and direct them straight to the penalty box.
This is a strong reminder that, per the ARL Rule Book, leaving the bench during an altercation, or joining an altercation (even to act as a passive mediator), is a league ban-able offence; Always allow the officials to handle the situation.