Roger Karrer (#25) of Genève-Servette, time 22:17, was involved in an incident deemed as an illegal check to the head or neck (IIHF Rule 48). The video evidence has 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, Roger Karrer (#25) of Genève-Servette, will receive supplementary discipline under IIHF Rule 48 - Illegal Check to the Head or Neck.

Tuesday night in Lausanne, Genève D’Man Roger Karrer was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for delivering an illegal check to the head on Lausanne forward Jason Fuchs.

As the video shows, Fuchs never gained puck possession, nor control of the puck. As Fuchs turns away from the puck area, Karrer, with no focus for the puck, finishes a high, hard check that cuts in front of Fuchs body, making his head the initial point of contact on a hit where such head contact was avoidable.

This is an illegal check to the head. It is important to note that both elements of the illegal check to the head rule are satisfied with this play. First, the head is the initial point of contact. While there is some contact with Fuchs’ body, Karrer’s left shoulder makes direct and forceful contact with Fuchs’ head.

Second, the head contact on this play is deemed avoidable. It is Karrer who is in control of the hit, and he chooses an angle of approach the cuts into Fuchs’ head.

Considering Fuchs never had puck possession, if Karrer wants to make a legal defensive play, he must at minimum let up or avoid contact and avoid all contact where the the head is the initial point of force.

The CHL Sports Disciplinary Body suspends Roger Karrer (#25) of Genève-Servette, for 1 game, effective immediately, and issues a fine of €700. In addition, Roger Karrer (#25) of Genève-Servette, will be considered a repeat offender in the event supplementary discipline is required within the CHL.

Video explanation