PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 1/6/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Mississippi Sea Wolves Pace Jr., SUSPENDED
Mississippi defenseman Joe Pace Jr. has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 128 in Biloxi, MS on Saturday, January 6th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “This was a deliberate act. This was not a hockey play. Mr. Pace Jr. placed his foot behind his opponent's heel and kicked his feet out. I do not see any force applied from the upper body therefore I don't classify this as a slew-foot but I do see it as a dangerous trip and support the major and Game Misconduct. Fortunately no serious injury occurred. Mr. Pace Jr. will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME"

Motor City Rockers Sneath, SUSPENDED
Motor City forward TJ Sneath has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 132 in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, January 6th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Sneath delivered what is commonly known as a 'Cup-check' to his opponent immediately after the puck was dropped. I don't like seeing this type of play because it's sneaky and while not a traditional Attempt to Injure, the players know it will cause their opponent some discomfort. Mr. Sneath will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Port Huron Prowlers Graham, SUSPENDED
Port Huron forward Matt Graham has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 131 in Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, January 6th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Graham was engaged with an opponent behind the net. The puck moved around the boards on an outlet and Mr. Graham slashed his opponent from behind by lifting the shaft of his stick into his opponent's groin, between the legs. There was no reason to do this to an unsuspecting opponent. Mr. graham will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Port Huron Prowlers Heinzl, SUSPENDED
Port Huron defensman Adam Heinzl has been suspended for Two Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 131 in Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, January 6th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, “Mr. Heinzl appeared upset after an altercation with the Carolina player. As he was skating to the bench he 'might' have attempted to 'Flip the bird' with his glove on. I cannot be certain about his actions but he left no doubt several seconds later. As he entered the penalty box he removed his glove and definitely 'Flipped the Bird'! Not content with the one lewd gesture, Mr. Heinzl proceeded to 'Flip the Bird' a second time, directing it at the fans with his ungloved hand. This is not acceptable and it's just another video lowlight that people will be watching instead of watching our star players score goals. Mr Heinzl 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.