League make Doucet ruling

The Elite League’s discipline committee has reviewed an incident in the game between Braehead Clan and Belfast Giants on Saturday 5th November 2011.

The incident occurred at 13:20 in the second period and involved Belfast’s #9 Benoit Doucet and Braehead’s Sam Zajac #4, with Doucet being assessed 2+10 for checking from behind.

The disciplinary committee has made the decision to revoke the penalty and this will be removed from Doucet’s record.

The committee used the matchnight DVD and statements from both organisations to come to their decision. From the slow motion video (which can be viewed on the Elite League website at www.eliteleague.co.uk) the decision was made on the following factors…

* Zajac is in possession of the puck and is therefore eligible to be checked.

* The check made by Doucet was to the front of the left shoulder and body area of Zajac, not from behind.

* The check is not directed at, or connected with, the head of Zajac and Doucet does not drive or force Zajac’s head into the glass or boards with any part of his body.

* Doucet’s stick is not involved in the check.

* As a result of the legal check, Zajac’s body moves backwards in to the boards and glass, with his head also making contact with the glass.

* Doucet’s check is considered a legal body check.