PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 12/15/23

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pinkowski, SUSPENDED 
Mississippi Forward Richard Pinkowski has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 88 in Biloxi, MS on Friday, December 15th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Immediately after the drop of the puck on an end-zone face off, Mr. Pinkowski skated directly at his opponent and delivered an unprovoked Cross-check to his face/head area. This is not a hockey play. This is not self-defense. This is not an attempted shove to the shoulder of a puck carrier that accidentally rides up and contacts the head. Those would all be examples of a major and Game Misconduct. I see this as a match penalty for Attempt to Injure as Mr. Pinkowski knew, or should have known that his deliberate actions could reasonably cause injury. Fortunately there did not appear to be a serious injury. As for the Aggressor penalty, I do not believe this fits the criteria. Mr Pinkowski was challenged to a fight by his opponent and given no choice but to fight. He clearly won the fight and then attempted to continue the altercation once linesmen intervened but I do not see him inflicting punishment on a defenseless opponent. His actions however, did deserve a Game Misconduct. Mr. Pinkowski will be suspended for TWO (2) GAMES."

Danbury Hat Tricks Yau, SUSPENDED 
Danbury Defenseman Jarod Yau has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 89 in Binghamton, NY on Friday, December 15th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "This altercation starts because of the actions of Binghamton #8 who will be addressed in a followup suspension. Mr. Yau gets thrown to the ice then gets punched in the back of the head while down and reacts to what happened to him. He gets to his feet and seeks retribution. Unfortunately he gets the wrong player and goes after #17 Binghamton. This player is nothing but an unfortunate bystander who does not want to fight, yet Mr. Yau punches him six times before the linesmen can intervene. This is an Aggressor and Mr. Yau will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pinkowski, SUSPENDED 
Binghamton Forward Nikita Ivashkin has been suspended for Three Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 89 in Binghamton, NY on Friday, December 15th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "This entire altercation was started by Mr. Ivashkin. He pushed Danbury's #4, to the ice then followed up by punching him in the back of the head as he landed on him. This was a dirty play that went unnoticed and led to multiple penalties and ejections.  Mr. Ivashkin went to the penalty box and once inside, decided that he needed to deliver a message to his opponent in the form of MULTIPLE LEWD GESTURES. I do not understand how or why the league's message about inappropriate behavior and gestures in a family environment continues to be ignored game after game? In today's society, these things are not taken lightly and other leagues have been making concerted efforts to end these practices by issuing LENGTHY suspensions and hefty fines. Again, the FPHL will not tolerate this type of non-hockey actions that make the entire league look bad. Mr. Ivashkin will be suspended ONE (1) GAME for the punch to the back of the head plus TWO (2) GAMES for his multiple lewd gestures."

Elmira River Sharks Parker, SUSPENDED 
Elmira Forward Bret Parker has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 92 in Elmira, NY on Friday, December 15th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Mr. Parker was assessed a Game Misconduct for continuing an altercation. Normally this would be a 10 min misconduct or a Game Misconduct at the official's discretion. What makes this one suspension-worthy is that as he's being ordered to stop by the referee and at least one linesman who is in the midlle of the altercation he continues to throw punches with zero regard for the safety of the officials. He landed two punches to the back of the linesman's head and another three punches to his ribs. The safety of our officials in the FPHL is paramount and players need to abide by the referees instructions to keep them safe. I don't believe the punches were intended for the official or we would be looking at a much more substantial suspension. Mr Parker will be suspended for TWO (2) GAMES."

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