The Champions Hockey League (CHL) has suspended Mark Barberio (#45) from HC Bozen for one game after an incident in the game against ERC Ingolstadt and also fined him 700 euros.
The reason for the sanction is an action in the 40th minute of the game that was classified as a so-called “butt ending” (IIHF Rule 58) – i.e. hitting with the upper end of the shaft of the stick. According to the CHL Disciplinary Panel, the incident fell into the “careless” category, meaning it was classified as a dangerous but not intentionally injurious act.
The incident in detail
As the video footage shows, shortly before the end of the second third there was a scene between Barberio and Edwin Tropmann (#55) from ERC Ingolstadt. After Tropmann played the puck, he moved into free space. Barberio recognized this, positioned himself to the side of Tropmann and, in the ensuing duel, lowered his right hand along the stick, exposing the top end. Barberio then powerfully pushed the shaft end of his stick into the opponent’s midsection. The referees immediately punished the action with a major penalty (5 minutes) and an automatic game misconduct penalty.
CHL explains the decision
In the official justification, the CHL committee emphasizes that it was not a random movement, but a deliberate and dangerous action in which Barberio deliberately used the upper end of the stick as a weapon. This type of offense is defined in the rules as “butt-ending” and is considered dangerous and impermissible behavior that endangers the safety of the opponent.
Suspension and consequences
Barberio is therefore suspended for one CHL game and has to pay an additional 700 euros fine. In addition, the Canadian will be listed as a “repeat offender” in the future – if another incident occurs, he will face harsher penalties.
Pic: Screenshot_Youtube
