Matt Pelech (#17) of the Belfast Giants, 01:26, was involved in an incident deemed as Interference (IIHF Rule 149). The video evidence was sent to the CHL Disciplinary Board, which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 – ‘Reckless’-a deliberate and/or dangerous action with no concern for the result, with a conscious action to provoke, through intent and a willful purpose.
According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the CHL Disciplinary Board, player Matt Pelech (#17) of the Belfast Giants will receive supplementary discipline under rule 149 – Interference.
From the perspective of the CHL Sports Board, Matt Pelech (#17) made contact with an unsuspecting opposing player. With Bili Tygri Liberec in puck possession, skating in a lane to go behind the net, Matt Pelech, located in front of the net, immediately skated in a pattern to cut the lane of the opposing player. The lane Matt Pelech chose was on the opposite side of the net from the skating lane of the opposing player. With a Belfast player tailing the puck possession opposing player, the pursuit is considered between the 2 respective players. The opposing player made a pass immediately before pursuing the skating lane behind the net (opposite side of net from check), which is when and where puck possession is deemed concluded.
Matt Pelech, with no regard for the puck, entered the skating lane of the opposing player, from an unsuspecting side to deliver a late and excessive body check. Matt Pelech is deemed a 3rd man into a 2-man puck pursuit, to deliver a late, excessive and avoidable check. The check is deemed illegal under interference-late hit, requiring supplementary discipline. Opposing plare did sustain an apparent injury.
The CHL Sports Board suspends Matt Pelech (#17) of the Belfast Giants for two games, effective immediately. He is also fined €1,200.
Key Points:
- Avoidable
- Late
- Unsuspecting
- Not a repeat offender