Suspension: MRU Hockey - Vinny Muchalla |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonMarch 22, 2011 Facts: On March 19, 2011 MRU’s Vinny Muchalla was assessed a match penalty. According to the referee, at the conclusion of the game Mr. Muchalla swung his stick like a baseball bat, with intent to injure, and struck a SAIT player across the pants/hands. No injury resulted. I was provided with video footage of the incident. The incident was somewhat blocked by the body of a spectator but I still found it quite helpful. 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. Based on my review of the video footage, it appears that Mr. Muchalla did slash a SAIT opponent with two hands on his stick. By no means do I wish to downplay the incident but I take issue with the referee’s characterization of the incident. Intent to injure is always impossible to determine objectively. However, I would not categorize the slash as being particularly forceful. In fact, it does not even appear that the SAIT player noticed that he has been slashed as he did not react in any visible manner. The referee had a better view of the incident and I am not in a position to question the appropriateness of his match penalty call. However, Rule 9.2.2 does give me the discretion to adjust the sanction imposed. Mr. Muchalla’s actions, particularly given that they came at the end of the game, cannot be condoned. That being said, under the circumstances I feel that a three (3) game suspension would be too severe and should be adjusted downward. Based on the above, Mr. Muchalla is hereby suspended for one (1) game. Mr. Muchalla’s suspension is to be served on March 25, 2011 versus SAIT. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |