PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 12/9/23

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Watertown Wolves Rosenzweig, SUSPENDED 
Watertown Goaltender Josh Rosenzweig has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 81 in Elmira, NY on Friday, December 8th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “At 3:49 of 3rd period, while losing 8-3, Mr. Rosenzweig left his crease to play a loose puck. The attacking forward beat him to the puck and continued skating with it behind the net. Instead of retreating to his crease, Mr. Rosenzweig pursued his opponent and delivered a two-handed, baseball swing with his goalie stick to his opponent's ankle. He was assessed a minor penalty for slashing and his actions could have resulted in a major injury. This type of play is nothing but an attempt to inflict punishment and because of that, Mr. Rosenzweig will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME under FPHL Supplemental Discipline."

Motor City Rockers Thompson, SUSPENDED 
Motor City forward Elias Thompson has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 85 in Fraser, MI on Saturday, December 9th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Although the referees correctly called this a stand-alone fight and assessed only one major penalty because the opponent was non-willing to engage, there should have been a Game Misconduct for being the Aggressor tacked on. When an opponent refuses to, or is incapable of fighting back, it is incumbent on the player throwing punches to stop. A player is not entitled to deliver punishment when the fight is not mutually agreed upon or when one player in a fight has obviously lost the ability to fight back. For his actions, Mr. Thompson will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME under FPHL Supplemental Discipline."

Binghamton Black Bears Yates, SUSPENDED
Binghamton forward Gavin Yates has been suspended for Two Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 84 in Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, December 9th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "What happened during this altercation is not something that is acceptable behavior in the FPHL. Mr. Yates was involved in an altercation with an opponent when the linesmen intervened and broke it up. His opponent was completely immobilized, lying facedown on the ice with a linesman on top of him, when he broke away from the other linesman and circled back around his opponent and delivered a forceful punch to his opponents face/head while he lay on the ice, utterly defenseless. This is an example of blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of his opponent. This action should have been deemed a Match Penalty for Attempt to Injure. Mr. Yates will be suspended TWO (2) GAMES under supplemental discipline."

Mississippi Sea Wolves Barr, SUSPENDED 
Mississippi forward Justin Barr has been suspended for Four Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 83 in Columbus, GA on Saturday, December 9th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "This was an extremely unfortunate incident and I'm very happy to hear that the player was released from the hospital. I wish him a speedy recovery without any lasting after effects. Having watched the play a dozen times at every speed and after consulting with the on-ice officials, it does not appear that there was malicious intent. As the puck carrier, he was eligible to be hit. Unlike amateur hockey, the fact that his back was turned does not automatically make the hit illegal. The force applied and the resulting contact with the boards is the determining factor when a player delivers a check from behind. Having said that, as long as the puck carrier does not turn immediately prior to contact, the onus is still on the player delivering the hit to make sure he does not injure his opponent. Mr. Barr was gliding into his opponent when contact occurred. He extended his stick and arms in an attempt to pin his opponent against the boards. In a gross miscalculation of his opponent's distance to the boards, he sent him face first into the glass and caused an injury. I do not feel that it was malicious or an attempt at retribution but I do feel that Mr. Barr was reckless and careless in his decision making. Mr. Barr will be suspended for FOUR (4) GAMES. This is consistent with previous suspensions that are deemed reckless/ careless causing an injury."

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