Nottingham Panthers forward Tim Doherty has been fined and suspended for one game following a high-sticking incident against Coventry Blaze on Sunday night. Doherty was assessed a two-minute minor penalty during the game in Coventry, and the league has now issued additional discipline.
The incident occurred in the Blaze defensive zone as Doherty carried the puck behind the net, pursued by defenceman Andrew Neilson. After Doherty passed the puck to a teammate at the point, Neilson used his stick to make what the league described as a soft check to Doherty’s hip or ribs. Doherty then swung his stick at Neilson, striking him in the head.
The league said the action was retaliatory, rather than reckless or careless, and that Doherty remained in control of both his stick and his body. It also said the incident did not involve a player losing control of his stick or using it to steady himself. The league determined that the intentional swing at a dangerous height and with force warranted supplemental discipline.