PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES WEEK 18 SUSPENSIONS REPORT

The FPHL Department of Player Safety has announced the following suspensions from FPHL Week 18.

Suspension Explanations with FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson can be viewed on this weeks episode of the FPHL’s Beyond the Glass Podcast.

2/6/26

Monroe Moccasins - Jamie Dorsey  SUSPENDED
Baton Rouge Zydeco - Austin Weber  SUSPENDED
This entire altercation has many layers to it. I'll start by saying that when the officials have 10 players involved at the same time, they do the best they can to keep players safe and observe what they can. The linesmen in this altercation did an exceptional job to keep players safe and separate players attempting to inflict punishment. Things get missed and some things get overcalled but that's the nature of the beast when attempting to restore order. I have the luxury of watching and rewatching video in slo-mo and determining what the ultimate penalties shall be. Here is my synopsis and determination. This started with a hit by Mr. Scantlebury who glided into his opponent, had his elbow tucked and did not elevate or leave his feet. This was not charging and initial contact was on the shoulder, not from behind. He was then jumped by Mr. Johnson who was assessed an aggressor penalty. He only threw one punch, while on his knees. This is not the definition of an aggressor. I am rescinding Mr. Johnson's aggressor penalty, neither player is being suspended.  During the ensuing melee there were several fights. Typically, no suspensions are assessed for secondary altercation or 3rd man in. The most concerning one was Mr. Dorsey of Monroe basically jumping his opponent and punishing him with punches. This is an aggressor penalty and he will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME. During the altercation Mr. Bazarin jumped onto the ice but was restrained by teammates and re-entered his bench. He did not get involved. A game misconduct was assessed and that will suffice, discipline-wise. Mr. Weber came off his player's bench and jumped into the altercation and fought. He was not ejected for leaving the bench because the officials felt that he was on the ice but I have gone back 45 seconds prior to the fight and can find zero evidence of him ever being on the ice. He is facing a SIX (6) GAME suspension but I am still awaiting further video to confirm this assessment. He is indefinitely suspended pending further investigation.
Secondary Review Findings
After watching and reviewing new video, I have conclusively determined that Mr. Weber left the bench and jumped onto the ice after the whistle had sounded and after the first altercation had started. He then stayed on the ice in front of his bench for approx 10-15 seconds before making his way towards the scrums taking place. He got about 15' from his bench and appeared to have second thoughts and he turned around whereby it appears that he is encouraged by someone on his bench to go join in the fray. He turns and skates directly into the scrum with a flying leap and ends up earning a major for fighting and a Game Misconduct. This is actually a textbook example of "Leaving the bench to start an altercation or enter into an altercation already in progress" Mr. Weber is suspended for SIX (6) GAMES and Baton Rouge is fined  per the FPHL Leaving The Bench policy. Also, I reserve the right to add suspensions to the coaching staff if any new video surfaces that incriminates them as being the ones who encouraged Weber to get involved.

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2/7/26

Pee Dee IceCats - Divyne Appollon  SUSPENDED
Mr. Appollon went after an unwilling opponent who had zero desire to fight him. He delivered a punch knocking him to the ice and was assessed an Aggressor penalty. He will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME

Pee Dee IceCats - Head Coach Gary Graham FINED
Mr. Graham was ejected from the game due to verbal abuse and unsportsmanlikelike conduct behavior towards the on ice officials. He has been fined an undisclosed amount for his actions.

Biloxi Breakers - Darius Davidson  SUSPENDED
There is no video of this incident therefore I am reviewing this based on the referees verbal and written reports.  It was reported that Mr. Davidson took exception to his opponent attempting to hit his teammate (and missing) so he went at him and hit him with an elbow in the face causing an injury. This was away from the puck and was not a hockey play. Mr. Davidson is suspended for ONE (1) GAME

Baton Rouge Zydeco - Matthew Bazarin  SUSPENDED
There is no video of this fight that allows me to see what transpired. I am going off the referees verbal and written reports.  Mr. Bazarin engaged in a fight and both players went to the ice. Mr. Bazarin continued to throw punches while on the ice in an attempt to punish his opponent. He was assessed a Game Misconduct for being an aggressor. He will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME

Columbus River Dragons - Trevor Babin  SUSPENDED
Mr. Babin left his crease during an altercation, slashed a player in the legs from behind and then proceeded to cause mayhem. He fought, after the original altercation which should have earned him a Game misconduct. He then attempted to punch several players in the scrum and resisted the linesman. Mr. Babin is suspended for ONE (1) GAME for continuing an altercation under Supplemental Discipline.

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 16th season during 2025-26