PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES WEEK 21 SUSPENSIONS REPORT

The FPHL Department of Player Safety has announced the following suspensions from FPHL Week 21

2/28/26

Columbus River Dragons - Alex Storjohann  SUSPENDED 
After coming together with his opponent and some bad blood occurring between both players for several seconds, Mr. Storjohann delivered a forceful, two-handed spear to the groin area of his opponent, causing him to drop to the ice. Mr. Storjohann is suspended for TWO (2) GAMES

Columbus Appeal Results 3/2/26 - The referee called a match penalty for a spear to the groin and then confirmed it based on the feed available to him. Columbus provided a video with a wider angle and clearer image. I want to say that I support the official's ruling in real-time. These things happen fast and sight-lines are not always ideal. Having the benefit of being able to review the video several times in slo-mo, here is my opinion/decision. Mr. Storjohann poked his opponent in the groin using an upward slashing motion out of frustration and the desire to retaliate. It was not a hockey play and he deserved to be ejected. I do not believe it was an attempt to injure in the sense of deserving a match penalty. This was deserving of a 5 min major and game misconduct. Mr. Storjohann's suspension will be reduced from TWO (2) GAMES to ONE (1) GAME, consistent with a GM for a stick related infraction.

Pee Dee IceCats - Jacob Hamilton  SUSPENDED 
During the pre-game warm up Mr. Hamilton repeatedly called his opponent with inappropriate language and doubled down on his comments by displaying a lewd gesture. Totally unacceptable. Mr Hamilton is suspended for TWO (2) Games under the FPHL Executive Board, Slur and Lewd Gesture Policy. A second offense within the next 12 months will elicit a four game suspension and a third incident will be a one year suspension.

Twin City Thunderbirds - Gus Ford  SUSPENDED 
Mr. Ford skated across the ice towards the referee to question a non-callusing a derogatory slur.  Once again, a player  chooses to use a derogatory term that is offensive to many fans in attendance. This is happening far too often along with lewd gestures. I encourage all coaches and GMs to remind their players to temper their worst impulses. Mr. Ford is suspended for TWO (2) GAMES under the FPHL Executive Board, Slur and Lewd Gesture Policy. A second offense in a calendar year will result in a four game suspension and a third is a one year ban.

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