PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES FINES & SUSPENSIONS FOR 11/16/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Blue Ridge Bobcats Smirnov,  SUSPENDED
Blue Ridge forward Savva Smirnov has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 67 in Port Huron, MI on Saturday, November 16th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated,  "Mr. Smirnov reacted to being checked, by delivering a forceful crosscheck to the neck of his opponent. This is dangerous and undisciplined. for this action he will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME. As he was leaving the ice, he decided to display a lewd gesture at the spectators. This is not something that the league can/will tolerate. Mr. Smirnov will be suspended for TWO (2) GAMES and will now be considered a First-Time offender under category I."

Hudson Valley Venom Jesseau,  SUSPENDED
Hudson Valley forward Dustin Jesseau has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 68 in Newburgh, NY on Saturday, November 16th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated,  "This is the third Game Misconduct for verbal abuse since late February, and the second in which he threatened physical harm to the official (s). The officials, especially the linesmen, are simply doing their jobs yet Mr. Jesseau has shown zero respect for authority or for the role these guys play. There needs to be some self-control on his part. Mr. Jesseau is Suspended for TWO (2) GAMES with the team losing a roster spot during that suspension.  Any further incidents abusing the officiating staff from Mr. Jesseau will result in a more lengthy suspension."

Binghamton Black Bears Stephan,  SUSPENDED
Binghamton forward Kyle Stephan has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 66 in Danbury, CT on Saturday, November 16th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated,  "Mr. Stephan left the bench at the end of the game giving lewd gestures towards the fans. This was not part of the original altercation that happened with the fans at the Binghamton bench and Mr Stephan is Suspended for TWO (2) GAMES with the team losing a roster spot during that suspension."

Binghamton Head Coach Sherwood, FINED & SUSPENDED
Black Bears Head Coach Brant Sherwood has been suspended for Four Games and Fined an undisclosed amount as a result from his unsportsmanlike actions during FPHL Game No. 66 in Danbury, CT on Saturday, November 16th. 

The FPHL Executive Board met over the week to discuss the situation at the Danbury Arena about security measures in matters involving fans.  Both Danbury and Binghamton have been working together to help prevent future incidents from occurring that could endander the safety of players, team personall & league officials.

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.