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Hockey Leagues Issue Suspensions for Dangerous Tackles Amid Disciplinary Actions

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Nyckelpunkter
  • Major suspensions in Finnish and Swedish hockey for dangerous tackles
  • Additional disciplinary actions across multiple leagues
  • Reactions and expert analysis supporting player safety measures

Oliver Lauridsen was suspended for eight games by the Finnish league's disciplinary committee for a reckless tackle. The disciplinary committee stated Lauridsen's tackle caused a very forceful direct hit to Petteri Riihinen's head and recklessly endangered the opponent. Petteri Riihinen was tackled hard in the head by Oliver Lauridsen during a game, causing him to collapse and leave the match. In Sweden, Emil Larsson jumped and tackled AIK's Sid Boije with an elbow, receiving a match penalty and two minutes for roughing. The disciplinary committee stated Emil Larsson came in at high speed, jumped into the tackle, and hit the head, posing a high injury risk. AIK was awarded a seven-minute power play due to Larsson's penalty. According to SVT Sport, Jonas Andersson described Lauridsen's tackle as extremely dirty, noting he came in as a third player from the blindside with an elbow to the head.

Additional suspensions and disciplinary actions have been issued across leagues, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts. Patrick Curry of KalPa has been suspended for two games in the SM-liiga playoffs. The suspension of Patrick Curry resulted from two incidents: kicking and a leg sweep. Lassi Vanhatalo of HIFK is suspended for one game for a cross-check to the neck of Ville Ruotsalainen in the SM-liiga playoffs. In the SHL, Calvin de Haan of Rögle is suspended for two games for slashing Andro Kaderli in an SHL match. Oskar Lang is suspended for one match for slewfooting. The suspension is due to an incident in a 3-1 win against Luleå where Lang pulled down Anton Levtchi. The disciplinary committee listed two key factors for the suspension: the opponent falls helplessly to the ice without being able to defend, and the risk of injury. The committee described Lang forcing the opponent's upper body backward with his arm while making a forward movement with his leg, causing a violent fall.

Lauridsen's tackle was extremely dirty; he came in as a third player from the blindside with an elbow to the head.

Jonas Andersson, SVT expert

Reactions and expert analysis have supported the disciplinary decisions, with commentators emphasizing player safety. TV4 expert Johan Tornberg supports the match penalty decision for Emil Larsson's tackle, noting Larsson's skates lifted 10-15 cm. The disciplinary committee noted that a previous incident involving Victor Söderström and Brian O'Neill had not been subject to their assessment. HIFK used its right to submit two incidents from a Saturday game to the disciplinary group, paying a €5,000 processing fee. The SM-liiga's situation room did not forward the incidents involving Patrick Curry for review. The €5,000 fee was refunded to HIFK after the incidents led to suspensions.

Game incidents have included brawls, penalties, and controversial plays, adding to the disciplinary landscape. A massive brawl broke out in Leksand's bench during a game against HV71, involving about ten players. The referee issued six penalties after the brawl: four to the guests and two to Leksand. Karlberg was hit in the face with a stick and received a penalty for high-sticking, during which Leksand scored to make it 2-1. The audience shouted 'filmare' (diver) at Karlberg after the incident. Axel Rindell hit Michael Lindqvist in the face with a cross-check, resulting in a five-minute penalty and match penalty after video review.

The stick hit me right in the mouth and the referee called it; the audience's reaction is part of the game.

Karlberg, Player

International incidents have seen contract termination and fines in other sports leagues. Andrew Yogan of Stavanger Oilers had his contract terminated after spearing Axel Sandnes in the groin in a Norwegian playoff game. Yogan received a match penalty and faces further suspension pending disciplinary committee review. In Australian rules football, Patrick Voss of Fremantle was fined $1,500 (reducible to $1,000) for taunting Harrison Petty in an AFL match.

Team impacts from these incidents include playoff implications and player returns, affecting competitive dynamics. Ässät won the game 5–2 and will play in the playoffs. Patrick Curry and Hugo Gallet will return for KalPa's next playoff game after serving suspensions. Lang will miss an important match against HV71 on Saturday, with Leksand and HV71 being the two lowest-placed teams in SHL facing a relegation battle. Lang has made 15 points in 46 games this season. Leksand has a five-point lead over Örebro for safety in the standings.

Rindell's cross-check was a brain fade and indefensible when aimed at the head.

Jonas Andersson, SVT expert

Substitution controversies have sparked player reactions, highlighting tensions within teams. Isak Bjerkebo was substituted with 15 minutes left in the match. Isak Bjerkebo was involved in all three of Sirius's goals. Andreas Engelmark substituted Isak Bjerkebo to improve the team's defense. Jordan Larsson was substituted with 25 minutes left in the match. Jordan Larsson avoided eye contact with his coach and gestured angrily after being substituted.

League standings and historical contexts show broader consequences of these incidents. FC Copenhagen lost 1-2 to FC Fredericia. FC Copenhagen missed the playoffs for the first time in history this season. FC Copenhagen is in second place in the Danish relegation series with a six-point margin above Silkeborg. New York Red Bull lost 1-6 to Charlotte. Emil Forsberg played the entire match as captain for New York Red Bull. Leksand reduced the score to 1-3 against Malmö and was pressing when the match situation suddenly changed.

I was angry about being substituted.

Isak Bjerkebo, Sirius player

Minor incidents and diving accusations have also been reported, adding to the disciplinary mix. Modo's August Berg and Oscar Pettersson were reported for diving/embellishment in two separate situations. Jere Somervuori of HIFK was reviewed for a possible kick on goalie Talyn Boyko but did not receive a suspension. Gustav Berggren was sent off with a red card in the 52nd minute. Oskar Lang of Leksand was penalized for abuse of officials in an SHL match against Malmö.

Key unanswered questions persist regarding several incidents and recoveries. What exactly was said between Oskar Lang and the referee is still unclear. The specific incidents that led to Patrick Curry's suspension, and why the SM-liiga's situation room did not forward them initially, have not been fully detailed. Carl-Johan Lerby of Kalmar received a match penalty for crosschecking Teemu Väyrynen but was not referred to the disciplinary committee in HockeyAllsvenskan.

I wanted to stay on the pitch and take a penalty.

Isak Bjerkebo, Sirius player

We talked after the substitution with no hard feelings.

Isak Bjerkebo, Sirius player
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Hockey Leagues Issue Suspensions for Dangerous Tackles Amid Disciplinary Actions | Reed News