Mark Arcobello (#36) of SC Bern, time 56:47, was involved in an incident deemed by the on-ice officials as Interference (IIHF Rule 149). The video evidence was sent to the CHL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 1 – ‘Careless’.
According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the CHL PSC, player Mark Arcobello (#36) of SC Bern will receive supplementary discipline under rule 149 – Interference. From the perspective of the CHL Sports Board, Mark Arcobello (#36) made excessive contact with an opposing player not in possession or control of the puck. Mark Arcobello is not considered in the immediate vicinity of the opponent while in possession of the puck.
As the video shows, the opposing player delivered a pass (no longer in possession or control of the puck) when Mark Arcobello is a considerable distance away (more than the approximate stick and arm length distance). Mark Arcobello chose not to avoid or minimize contact and instead maintained focus on the opponent (no regard for the puck), altered his skating pattern to his right for the purpose of direct body contact (no angling) and planted off his left foot to impede his body into the opposing player (with additional and unrequired force).
The CHL Sports Board suspends Mark Arcobello (#36) of SC Bern for 1 game, effective immediately.
Key Points:
- Excessive contact on opposing player not in possession of puck
- Avoidable
- Responsible to avoid or minimize contact
- Not a repeat offender