Nikita Mitskevich (#26) of Yunost Minsk, time approximately 43:04, was involved in an incident deemed as Checking to the Head or Neck (IIHF Rule 124). The video evidence was sent to the CHL Player Safety Committee (PSC), which determined the incident to be worthy of supplementary discipline - Category 2 – ‘Reckless’.
According to the Arbitrator and having considered the video evidence and ruling of the CHL PSC, player Nikita Mitskevich (#26) of Yunost Minsk will receive supplementary discipline under rule 124 – Checking to the Head or Neck.
From the perspective of the CHL Sports Board, Nikita Mitskevich (#26) made contact to the opposing players head causing an apparent injury.
It was taken into consideration that the opposing player, when receiving a pass near the center line, immediately changed his angle of approach into the attacking zone, towards the middle of the ice. Putting himself in an expected area at or near the blue line to be body checked.
Considering the opposing player was in a natural skating and shooting/passing motion with his body and did not significantly alter his skating/body motion immediately before contact, the responsibility is on Nikita Mitskevich to make a legal body check.
It has been determined that Nikita Mitskevich did not make a legal body check. The contact was made using the shoulder directly to the head of the opposing player, making the head/neck area the principal and main point of contact. There was a significant skating lane change to his left which created a straight on approach to the check (no angle). The left shoulder was extended up and outwards which is in part, the cause of the head contact to the opposing player.
The CHL Sports Board suspends Nikita Mitskevich (#26) of Yunost Minsk for 3 games, effective immediately.
Key Points:
- Opposing player head is principal point of contact
- Shoulder elevation up and outwards
- Alters skating lane to create straight on contact (no angle approach)
- Not a repeat offender