PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 11/18/23

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pace, SUSPENDED 
Mississippi Defenseman Joe Pace has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 47 in Biloxi, MS on Saturday, November 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Pace delivered an intentional, forceful two-handed spear to the upper chest of his opponent after the completion of the hockey game. This was not a hockey play, this was not self-defense and not an apparent retaliation for anything done to him. This will earn Mr. Pace a ONE (1) GAME suspension."

Columbus River Dragons Basey, SUSPENDED
Columbus River Dragons Defenseman Alex Basey has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 47 in Biloxi, MS on Saturday, November 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Mr. Basey slashed/speared an unsuspecting opponent in the back of the legs after the buzzer had sounded to end the game. This action caused a general melee to occur. Although his actions were not egregious, the fact that it caused so much more to happen and my inability to assess fines to the players, my only recourse is to punish this behavior by suspending Mr. Basey for ONE (1) GAME suspension."

Elmira River Sharks Pickford, SUSPENDED
Elmira River Sharks Defenseman Austin Pickford has been suspended for Two games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 48 in Elmira, NY on Saturday, November 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Mr. Pickford was assessed an aggressor penalty for his actions during a multiple fight situation.He continued to deliver punches when his opponent was no longer able to defend himself and once the referee had entered the fray attempting to diffuse the situation. Mr. Pickford was assessed an additional game misconduct for Abuse of Officials for throwing punches once the referee and linesmen got involved. Both officials were on the receiving end of punches from Mr. Pickford. While I do not believe that the punches were intended for the officials, the players are responsible for their actions and the safety of our officials is of very high priority. Players must use restraint and refrain from continuing the altercation once the officials have intervened. Because of his actions, Mr. Pickford receives a ONE (1) GAME suspension for being the AGGRESSOR and a ONE (1) GAME suspension for Abuse of Officials."

Baton Rouge Zydeco Bazarin, SUSPENDED
Baton Rouge Zydeco Forward Matthew Bazarin has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No.49 in Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, November 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "This hit occurred on a player who had already released the puck. The contact was not immediate and was therefore not still eligible to be hit. The contact was from behind, caused the player to be projected violently into the boards and caused injury to the face/head of his opponent. Mr. Bazarin will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Watertown Wolves Thornton, SUSPENDED
Watertown Wolves Forward Carter Thornton has been suspended for One game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No.51 in Watertown, NY on Friday, November 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "As Mr. Thornton was about to be checked, he delivered a reverse hit and contacted his opponent with his elbow or shoulder directly in the face causing injury to the face/head of his opponent. Mr. Thornton will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

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