Racine suspended for Check to the Head

Flames defenseman receives suspension

On Saturday night in Guildford, Flames defenseman #5 Jonathan Racine was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for an Illegal Check to the Head.

With the Steelers breaking out of their defensive zone, Jordan Southorn makes a pass up ice to his teammate Evan Jasper, who is looking back to locate the puck and gain control. As the puck reaches Jasper's feet, Jasper looks up ice when Racine delivers a high check that cuts across the front of Jasper’s core making the head the main point of contact, on a hit where the head contact is 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 met on this hit: firstly, the head is the main point of contact as Racine's right shoulder makes contact with the head of Jasper. Second, the head contact on this play is avoidable. It is Racine who is in control of this hit and he chooses an angle of approach that cuts across the front of Jasper, missing the shoulder and core making the head the main point of contact. If Racine wants to deliver this check legally, he must hit through the shoulder and core of Jasper.

To Summarise:

• Illegal Check to the Head
• No history

Effective immediately Guildford Flames defenseman Jonathan Racine is fined and suspended for one game.