Suspension: SAIT Hockey - Lessard |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonJanuary 20, 2011 FACTS: On January 14, 2011, SAIT’s Kevin Lessard (#25) received a match penalty in a game against Portage College. According to the referee, during a stoppage in play at centre ice, Mr. Lessard grabbed a Portage player from behind by his shoulder pads and pulled him backwards with such force that the Portage player fell and struck his head on the ice. I have been advised by Portage that their player sustained a minor concussion though he did elect to play the following night. SAIT’s position is that the referee overreacted, based on earlier incidents during the game and that the Portage player embellished the incident. SAIT provided video evidence of the incident in support of its position. RULING: Article I, Section 13, Rule 9.2 is worded as follows: 9.2.1 A player who has received a match penalty shall normally be assessed a three-game suspension. 9.2.2 At the discretion of the Commissioner, further or fewer penalties may be applied. The video footage provided by SAIT confirms that the Portage player did not appear to strike his head on the ice. However, I disagree with the remainder of SAIT’s characterization of the incident. In my opinion, there was no embellishment by the Portage player, who was thrown to the ice with enough force that he easily could have been injured much more severely. In my opinion, Mr. Lessard’s actions cannot be condoned. Based on the circumstances of this case, I see no reason to vary from the three (3) suspension indicated in Rule 9.2.1 above. As a result, Mr. Lessard is hereby suspended as follows: January 15 vs. Portage (served) Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |