WEEK 3 – PLAYER SAFETY REVIEW AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PLAYER SAFETY

The Federal Prospects Hockey League Department of Player Safety has completed its review of the following incidents from Week 3 of the 2026–2027 season. The following disciplinary actions have been issued, including decisions resulting from appeals.

GAME #32 – OCTOBER 23, 2026

Geronimo Whiteduck #90 – Minnesota

Incident: Match Penalty – Biting

During an altercation, Mr. Whiteduck was observed by a linesman biting his opponent's ear. The official reported hearing the player scream and witnessing the incident at close range. Blood was observed on both Mr. Whiteduck's lip and his opponent's ear. Although no clear video evidence was available, the decision was based on the eyewitness account of the official directly involved in breaking up the altercation.

Assessment: FOUR (4) GAME SUSPENSION

GAME #37 – OCTOBER 24, 2026

Patricks Marcinkevics #17 – Blue Ridge

Incident: Match Penalty – Attempt to Injure

Mr. Marcinkevics took a wild and reckless swing with his stick during an altercation, creating the potential for serious injury.

Original Assessment: TWO (2) GAME SUSPENSION

Appeal Decision: Following an appeal by Blue Ridge and review of additional reverse-angle video provided by the Director of Officiating, it was determined that although the swing was careless and reckless, it was primarily directed at the opponent's stick rather than an attempt to injure.

FINAL RESULT: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION. The match penalty has been changed to a game misconduct for slashing.

Taylor Cutting #11 – Watertown

Incident: Aggressor and Verbal Threats

Mr. Cutting pulled his opponent to the ice following an exchange involving a stick swing. After the linesmen intervened and restrained his opponent, Mr. Cutting delivered multiple punches to an unwilling and defenseless player. This constitutes an aggressor violation.

Additionally, Mr. Cutting made a verbal threat toward the referee.

Assessment: THREE (3) GAME SUSPENSION

One (1) game for being the aggressor.
Two (2) games for verbal threats toward an official.

Jake Schultz #4 – Watertown

Incident: Aggressor

Mr. Schultz grabbed his opponent from behind, pulled him to the ice and delivered multiple punches to an unwilling and defenseless player.

Assessment: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION

GAME #34 – OCTOBER 24, 2026

Ben Brockway #13 – Port Huron

Incident: Resisting Officials During an Altercation

Mr. Brockway engaged in a mutual fight following the opening faceoff. After both players fell to the ice, he continued delivering punches while a linesman attempted to restrain him. This incident is considered resisting officials during an altercation and not an aggressor violation.

Assessment: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION. No aggressor penalty will be added to his record.

Connor Nagy #44 – Motor City

Incident: Game Misconduct – Lewd Gesture

With approximately 30 seconds remaining in the game, Mr. Nagy made a throat-slashing gesture toward opposing players while officials were addressing penalties following a scrum. This action violates the FPHL lewd gesture policy.

Assessment: TWO (2) GAME SUSPENSION

GAME #35 – OCTOBER 24, 2026

Brandon Tootoosis #22 – Fresno

Incident: Match Penalty – Illegal Check to the Head

Mr. Tootoosis delivered a check targeting an opponent's head while the player was in a vulnerable position. The play did not constitute a legal body check through the core and resulted in a match penalty.

Original Assessment: FOUR (4) GAME SUSPENSION

Appeal Decision: Following an appeal by Fresno and a review of the video and applicable league suspension precedents, it was determined that the opponent remained in the game and was not placed on injured reserve. To maintain consistency with league precedent for a first-time offender without an injury resulting in an injured reserve designation, the suspension has been reduced.

FINAL RESULT: TWO (2) GAME SUSPENSION. Any future similar violation may result in an increased suspension as a repeat offender.

GAME #40 – OCTOBER 25, 2026

Brendan O'Reilly #25 – Mid-South

Incident: Aggressor

Mr. O'Reilly approached his opponent from behind, tackled him to the ice and delivered punches while wearing his gloves. His opponent was unwilling and defenseless during the incident.

Assessment: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION

Matt Stoia #25 – Baton Rouge

Incident: Leaving the Bench

Mr. Stoia left the bench in response to the altercation and engaged Mr. O'Reilly. Both players were subsequently ejected from the game. Leaving the bench to participate in an altercation is a serious violation of FPHL rules.

Assessment: SIX (6) GAME SUSPENSION AND A FIVE HUNDRED DOLLAR ($500) FINE TO THE TEAM, in accordance with the FPHL Leaving the Bench Rule.

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.