PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES FINES & SUSPENSIONS FOR 12/1/23

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

Binghamton, NY – The FPHL Department of Player Safety today have announced the following fines and suspension.

Baton Rouge Zydeco Bazarin, SUSPENDED 
Baton Rouge forward Matthew Bazarin has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 66 in Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, December 1st.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “During a scrum after the whistle, Mr. Bazarin engaged with an opponent who did not appear that he wanted to engage in a fight. Mr. Bazarin initiated a fight by throwing punches and knocked his opponent to the ice whereupon he continued delivering punches to an unwilling combatant. This is the definition of being the Aggressor.  Mr. Bazarin is also a repeat offender who was assessed an Aggressor last December (within last 12 months). Mr. Bazarin will be suspended for TWO (2) GAMES."

Mississippi Sea Wolves Liarakos, SUSPENDED 
Mississippi forward Yianni Liarakos has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 66 in Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, December 1st.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, After being assessed a Game Misconduct for being the 3rd-man into an altercation, Mr. Liarakos was being escorted off the ice by one of the linesmen. He broke away from the official and punched an unsuspecting player which set off a bench-clearing brawl. His actions caused multiple fights, a lengthy delay and a black eye for the league. This conduct is unacceptable, certainly not a 'Hockey play' and Mr. Liarakos will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Binghamton Black Bears Yates, SUSPENDED 
Binghamton forward Gavin Yates has been suspended for One game under Supplemental Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 65 in Binghamton, NY on Friday, December 1st.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "After his opponent had dumped the puck, Mr. Yates continued towards him and tripped him in a dangerous manner. I'm glad that a penalty was assessed and I can certainly understand this only being called a minor in real-time. After reviewing the video multiple times I feel that this play rises to a higher level than simply a minor penalty. It was a dangerous and reckless play, using the foot and upper body as leverage to knock his opponent to the ice. The player remained down for a few seconds and was obviously shaken up on the play. Fortunately the injury was not more severe. Mr. Yates will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pace Jr & Baton Rouge Zydeco Graham, FINED
Mississippi Head Coach Joe Pace Jr & Baton Rouge Head Coach MJ Graham have both been fined an undisclosed amount as a result from their actions during FPHL Game No.66 in Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, December 1st.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "There should be several more penalties and suspensions arising from a bench clearing brawl but unfortunately due to camera and video issues a full accounting of the incident is not possible. It is incumbent upon the coaches to at least make an effort to restrain their players and discourage this from happening. From the video at my disposal, this did not happen."

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 14th season during 2023-24.