PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 1/19/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Elmira River Sharks Maerkl, SUSPENDED
Elmira defenseman MJ Maerkl has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 148 in Elmira, NY on Friday, January 19th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Maerkl who is a playing-assistant coach took it upon himself to fire a wrist shot two secs after the final horn and he deliberately targeted the opposing team leaving the ice. He had just won the game, it was not a simple flick of the puck but an intentional attempt to incite his opponents, not to mention the potential for injury to an unsuspecting player. Coaches in this league need to set a better example. He was rightly assessed a Game Misconduct on the ice for his actions. Mr Maerkl will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Binghamton Black Bears Olivieri, SUSPENDED
Binghamton defenseman Donald Olivieri has been suspended for One Game under Supplementary Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 149 in Binghamton, NY on Friday, January 19th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Olivieri was in pursuit of the puck carrier who had just passed the puck and was no longer eligible to be checked. Mr. Olivieri decided to engage the Danbury player from behind. He applied force to his opponent's upper body while simultaneously sweeping his left leg behind his opponent's right skate causing him to fall dangerously hard to the ice. This action fits the textbook description of a slew-foot and the fact that his opponent did not have the puck, compounds the issue. Mr. Olivieri 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.