WEEK 1 – PLAYER SAFETY REVIEW & DISCIPLINARY REPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PLAYER SAFETY

The FPHL Department of Player Safety has completed its review of several incidents from the opening week of the 2026–27 season. The following decisions were issued following video review and additional discussions with game officials.

GAME #2 – OCTOBER 9, 2026

Vaughn Cloustan #17 – Indiana

Assessment: NO FURTHER DISCIPLINE

Following video review, the Department agreed that an instigator penalty was warranted but determined that the aggressor penalty should be rescinded. An aggressor penalty applies when a player attempts to punish an unwilling or vulnerable opponent. In this instance, the opponent had fallen, and Cloustan delivered one punch before the linesmen intervened. This was determined to be a continuation of the altercation rather than an aggressor situation. No further discipline will be assessed.

GAME #3 – OCTOBER 9, 2026

Sam Holeczy #8 – Mid-South

Assessment: TWO (2) GAME SUSPENSION

With 26 seconds remaining in the third period, Holeczy skated past the opposing team's bench and poked/slashed three seated players in the head. This type of conduct has absolutely no place in our game and reflects poorly on the league. Such actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

GAME #3 – OCTOBER 9, 2026

Corson Green #3 – Monroe

Assessment: NO SUSPENSION

Following discussions with the game official, the Department determined that the incident involved verbal abuse and did not include physical threats. Green received a game misconduct during the game. No additional suspension will be assessed.

GAME #4 – OCTOBER 10, 2026

Catlin Big Snake #18 – Fresno

Assessment: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION

At the conclusion of the game, Big Snake engaged his opponent with punches despite the final horn sounding. While it was acknowledged that he had been tripped as the horn sounded, this did not justify his subsequent actions. During the ensuing scrum, Big Snake repeatedly broke free from a linesman's attempts to restrain and remove him from the altercation. He also slapped away the linesman's hands. This conduct crosses a line and will not be tolerated.

DEPARTMENT OF PLAYER SAFETY

The FPHL Department of Player Safety will continue to review incidents throughout the season and address conduct that falls outside the expectations of professional hockey. Player safety, respect for officials, and maintaining the integrity of the game remain priorities for the league.