Harris suspended for three games

Panthers forward receives suspension

On Wednesday night in Sheffield, Panthers forward #83 Brendan Harris was assessed a minor penalty of Abuse of an Official. The incident was reviewed by the EIHL's Department of Player Safety which determined supplementary discipline is required under Rule 40.4 Physical Abuse of Officials - Category III.

As the video shows, Panthers forward Chase Pearson retrieves a loose puck in his offensive zone and makes a pass to his teammate Brendan Harris who is skating into the slot. As the puck comes towards Harris, Steelers forward Brett Ritchie makes a legal stick on stick play, which results in Harris’ stick breaking. After this play, Harris turns up ice towards the neutral zone, and, in the process, throws his stick in the direction of the official. This is Physical Abuse of Officials. 

40.4. SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE – SUSPENSION – CATEGORY III
Any Player who, by their actions, physically demeans an official or physically threatens an official by (but not limited to) throwing a stick or any other piece of equipment or object at or in the general direction of an official, shooting the puck at or in the general direction of an official, spitting, smearing blood at or in the general direction of an official, or who deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation.

In summary:

• Physical Abuse of Officials - Category III
• Throwing a stick at or in the general direction of an official
• No history

Effective immediately Nottingham Panthers forward #83 Brendan Harris is fined and suspended for three games.