Fife Flyers’ captain, Garet Hunt, has been banned for six games after an incident in Sunday’s Elite League defeat by Manchester Storm.
The suspension, understood to be the biggest in the division so far this season, follows a five-minute major penalty award and a game misconduct after 2min 18sec of the match at The Fife Ice Arena.
Ice hockey disciplinary bosses posted a video in the Elite League website. The 27-year-old, Canadian-born centre or right wing, in his first season in British ice hockey after spells in Slovakia and Denmark, recovered a loose puck, then passed it down the wall to a team-mate and is immediately engaged by Hunt.
The discipline chiefs added: “After passing the puck, Hannoun monitors the play and skates down the wall. As he reaches the top of the circle, Hunt grabs hold of Hannoun and drops his stick in an attempt to engage. Hannoun, holding both arms up, clearly indicates he is not prepared for the situation to escalate to a fight.
“As play goes on, Storm score. Hannoun, at this point, moves towards his team-mates to celebrate. Hunt lets go of Hannoun and delivers a punch to his head, sending him to the ice.
“While down on the ice, and in a vulnerable position, Hunt then delivers a second forceful blow to Hannoun who is an unwilling combatant causing an injury. This is a sucker punch’.
The disciplinary bosses added: “It is important to note that at no time in the sequence does Hannoun show any interest in participating in a fight and gives no indication that he is a willing or suspecting combatant as he remains focused on the play rather than focusing on Hunt.
“While down on the ice, Hunt throws a forceful blow to Hannoun’s face, at a time when Hannoun is not able to defend himself. With an understanding of previous incidents between these two players, this is an intentional act done by a player for the purpose of retribution.”
They summerised the incident as a dangerous punch – ‘sucker punch’, there was an injury on the play, Hunt has relevant history during the season and the ban is immediate.
Hunt (pictured by Dean Woolley) was fined an undisclosed amount and suspended for six games starting with Saturday’s visit of Sheffield Steelers and continuing in games at league pace-setters, Nottingham Panthers, at Guildford Flames, home to Dundee Stars, away to Cardiff Devils and at Coventry Blaze.
