PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 12/13/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Port Huron Prowlers Scantlebury,  SUSPENDED
Port Huron forward Tucker Scantlebury has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 119 in Fraser, MI on Wednesday, November 27th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated,  "Being the instigator in the last five minutes is an automatic game misconduct and subject to review. If the instigator is a result of a foul occurring on the player prior to him instigating then there are cases where the game misconduct will be rescinded and no suspension assessed since the circumstances were organic. In this case, Mr. Scantlebury was dumped in front of the net however when he got up, he went after an innocent bystander and instigated a fight. Had he gone after the player who fouled him then this penalty possibly could've been rescinded but there is no excuse for going after an innocent bystander. Mr. Scantlebury will be suspended for one game" 

Columbus River Dragons Balkwil,  SUSPENDED
Columbus defenseman Nathan Balkwil has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 121 in Columbus, GA on Wednesday, November 27th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated,  "Mr. Balkwil dropped his gloves and began punching an unwilling opponent. His opponent was unwilling to engage, but Mr. Balkwil continued to punch him repeatedly until the linesmen could intervene. This is an aggressor and Mr. Balkwil will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Note: The Match Penalty to Columbus River Dragons Nolan Slachetka has been rescinded by the Director of Player Safety.  Dave Jackson stated, "This play is the type of play that is perfectly suited for a four minute double minor penalty for spearing. Mr. Slatherka did not spear his opponent, instead he placed the tip of his stick on the back of his opponent's leg and pushed, causing him to fall backwards onto the ice. This is not a legal play but it is not an attempt to injure by using the tip of his stick. I am rescinding the match penalty on this play because I believe it was only worth a four minute double minor."

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.