WEEK 4 – PLAYER SAFETY REVIEW AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PLAYER SAFETY

The Federal Prospects Hockey League Department of Player Safety has completed its reviews of the following incidents from Week 4 of the 2026–2027 season.

Game #45 – October 30, 2026

Brody Duncan (#19) – Mid-South

Incident: Aggressor

Following an altercation in which the Columbus goaltender left his crease and punched a Mid-South player, Mr. Duncan tackled the goaltender and delivered multiple punches to the head area. Mr. Duncan is assessed an aggressor penalty and suspended for ONE (1) GAME.

Supplemental Discipline: ONE (1) GAME SUSPENSION

Game #45 – October 30, 2026

Santino Cristella (#12) – Columbus

Incident: Illegal Check to the Head

Mr. Cristella took a poor angle of approach while attempting a body check and made contact with his opponent's head rather than through the center core of the body. Although the Department does not believe the play was a deliberate attempt to injure, it was careless and reckless and carried the potential for serious injury. Through supplemental discipline, Mr. Cristella is assessed a Match penalty for Illegal Check to the Head and suspended for TWO (2) GAMES.

Supplemental Discipline: TWO (2) GAME SUSPENSION

Game #54 – November 1, 2026

Matthew Horan (#77) – Blue Ridge

Incident: Illegal Check to the Head

After reviewing the play, the Department determined that although the hit resulted in an injury, it did not constitute an illegal check under FPHL standards and the NHL Rulebook. Mr. Horan glided into the hit, did not elevate, kept his elbow tucked, and made contact through the center core of his opponent's body. Any head contact was considered incidental and not the result of targeting or picking the opponent's head.

Supplemental Discipline: NO FURTHER DISCIPLINE

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.