PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 1/20/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Elmira River Sharks Pozsar, SUSPENDED
Elmira defenseman Mark Pozsar has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 153 in Watertown, NY on Saturday, January 20th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr.Pozsar made a reckless and dangerous decision to engage his opponent behind the net while his opponent's back was turned. I do not view this play as a targeted attempt to injure his opponent but more a case of a legit hockey play gone bad. Mr. Pozsar should have recognized the situation and made some attempt to let up. Mr. Pozsar will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Watertown Wolves Gamzatov, SUSPENDED
Watertown forward Aleksandr Gamzatov has been suspended for One Game under Supplementary Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 153 in Watertown, NY on Saturday, January 20th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Gamzatov entered the fray and grabbed an opponent from behind who was simply trying to be a peacemaker. He put him in a bearhug and threw him to the ice. He then punched and attempted to punch his opponent in the face and side of the head multiple times. He gave his opponent zero ability to agree to a fight and was set on delivering punishment. This is considered being an Aggressor and as such, Mr. Gamzatov will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Elmira River Sharks Pickford, SUSPENDED
Elmira defenseman Austin Pickford has been suspended for Ten Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 153 in Watertown, NY on Saturday, January 20th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Pickford allegedly overreacted to being assessed a penalty during last night's game. I cannot stress hard enough that our officials need to be able to perform their duties in a safe work environment. Linesmen are quite often the last line of defense for a player who is getting badly beat up. They enter fights without regard for personal safety because it is their job to protect vulnerable players. They readily accept this danger as 'part of the job' but they do not and will not accept threats of violence towards them or physical abuse. Officials are not players and as such, do not wear the same equipment nor are they permitted to physically retaliate against a player. We, as most every league in the world have zero tolerance for any type of threatening or physical abuse towards our officials. I have read the written reports and spoken with the officials to gain a complete understanding of what transpired with Mr. Pickford last night. Mr. Pickford was advised by a linesman at his player's bench that he had been penalized and needed to proceed to the penalty bench. He responded by threatening the linesman with physical injury.   Threats like this are problematic and unacceptable. He then entered the penalty bench with the coaxing of his teammates and proceeded to berate the entire officiating crew with obscenities. At this point he was assessed a Game Misconduct and a linesman had to escort him across the ice to his dressing room. As the linesman was escorting him, Mr. Pickford attempted to butt-end the official in the groin. He missed with the butt-end and hit him with his glove. This was reported by the linesman, witnessed by his partner and seen by the entire Watertown bench. This rises to another level from mere threats of violence. I'm in awe that a player would ever even attempt such a heinous act on an unsuspecting official. Mr. Pickford is suspended for TEN (10) GAMES."

Danbury Hat Tricks Harwell & McCreary, SUSPENDED
Danbury forward Chase Harwell has been suspended for Six Games under Supplementary Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 154 in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, January 20th.  Danbury Head Coach Bill McCreary has been suspended for Three Games under the new league directive.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Harwell went to his bench for a player change. After he was substituted for, an altercation commenced in close proximity to his bench. Because his teammate was an unwilling participant (His opponent received a One (1) Game suspension for being the aggressor), Mr Harwell decided to leave the player's bench to offer aid to his teammate. Unfortunately for Mr. Harwell, his actions fit the description of the Board of Governor's new directive (dated 1-4-24) outlining the penalties for Leaving the Bench for the purpose of entering or starting an altercation. There is very little leeway or judgement involved in the application of this rule and the Board of Governors instituted it to curb the rash of brawling that was becoming all too prevalent. As such, Mr. Harwell is suspended for SIX (6) GAMES and his coach Bill McCreary is suspended for THREE (3) GAMES.

Binghamton Black Bears Ferrell & Sherwood, SUSPENDED
Binghamton forward Bryce Ferrell has been suspended for Seven Games under Supplementary Discipline as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 154 in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, January 20th.  Binghamton Head Coach Brant Sherwood has been suspended for Three Games under the new league directive.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Ferrell dropped his gloves and started punching an unwilling opponent who did not want to fight. This is an aggressor and for this action Mr. Ferrell will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME. Mr. Ferrell came onto the ice on a line change and immediately dropped his gloves and began punching his opponent. He made no attempt to play hockey or get involved in the play. These actions fall under the same rule directive as Mr. Harwell from Danbury. Mr. Ferrell is suspended for SIX (6) GAMES for Leaving the Bench for the purpose of starting an altercation in addition to ONE (1) GAME for being an AGGRESSOR.  The Binghamton Head Coach, Brant Sherwood will be automatically suspended for THREE (3) GAMES."

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