Suspension Video Review-NAIT Hockey-Abt |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2016-17 SeasonJanuary 29, 2017Facts:During a January 20, 2017 game against MacEwan University, NAIT Men’s Hockey player Jordan Abt (#28) received a two minute minor, a ten minute misconduct and a game misconduct (for receiving a second hit to the head penalty during the same game). As the game misconduct took place during the last ten minutes of the third period, Mr. Abt received a one (1) game suspension, which was served on January 21, 2017. MacEwan is seeking a review under Rule 8.5.5 of the ACAC Operating Code Ruling:Article I, Section 13, Rule 8.5.5 reads as follows: 8.5.5. Any incident where injury was done to the player’s head can be requested for review by that institution for further suspension without fee regardless of whether it was called or not. If not called, the institution must provide a doctor’s note with diagnosis of injury. That institution is required to provide the league with video evidence of the incident. In support of its request, MacEwan has provided video footage of the incident in question, a copy of which is attached to this ruling. In addition, although not required by the rule given that a penalty was called on the play, MacEwan has also provided a medical note substantiating that its athlete, Clayton Petrie, sustained a concussion as a result of the hit by Mr. Abt. I have had the opportunity to review the hit in question numerous times. To start with, it is clear that the referee was in a very good position to make the call and he immediately did so following the hit. As I have said in numerous rulings, I am reluctant to substitute my own call in place of the referee, particularly when the referee had an unobstructed view of the incident in question. I should also add that while it is unfortunate that Mr. Petrie sustained an injury on the play, Mr. Abt’s actions must be assessed independent of the injury sustained by Mr. Petrie. In my review of the video, I saw nothing predatory in the hit by Mr. Abt. While the hit unfortunately resulted in injury to Mr. Petrie, under the circumstances, I am not prepared to alter the referee’s call on the ice and feel that no further discipline is warranted. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee
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