PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 1/12/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Mississippi Sea Wolves Russell, SUSPENDED
Mississippi defenseman Kyle Russell has been suspended for One Game under Supplementary Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 137 in Biloxi, MS on Friday, January 12th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Russell took a baseball swing at his opponent hitting him in the upper body. Mr. Russell knew or should have known that it had the potential to cause injury. Mr. Russell will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pinkowski & Head Coach Pace Jr,, SUSPENDED
Mississippi forward Richard Pinkowski has been suspended for Eight Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 137 in Biloxi, MS on Friday, January 12th.  Mississippi Head Coach Joe Pace Jr. has been suspended for Four Games under the new league directive.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Based on video and the officials written and verbal reports, Mr. Pinkowski jumped on the ice from the players bench and made a beeline to his unsuspecting opponent. Mr. Pinkowski made no attempt to play hockey or to get involved in the play. Instead he punched, chased and jumped his opponent in retaliation for a legal body check on a teammate. This meets the textbook description of "Leaving the bench to start or join an altercation" Per the Commissioner's directive dated Jan. 4th, 2024, Mr Pinkowski will be suspended for SIX (6) GAMES and the Head Coach Mr. Pace Jr. will be suspended for THREE (3) GAMES. In addition to the above penalties, Mr Pinkowski not only left the bench for the purpose of starting an altercation but he jumped an unwilling and unsuspecting opponent and injured him. This constitutes being an Aggressor. Mr. Pinkowski was also an Aggressor on Jan 5th of this year therefore he is deemed a repeat offender. Mr. Pinkowski will be suspended for TWO (2) GAMES and as per the commissioner's rule directive of Jan 4th, 2024, Head coach Mr. Pace Jr. will be suspended for an additional ONE (1) GAME because his player received a suspension of two or more games."

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