Manchester Storm forward Loren Ulett has been fined and suspended for one game for roughing after a hit on Coventry Blaze defenceman Nick Grima during Friday night’s game in Manchester.
The incident happened as the players battled for a loose puck along the boards in the Blaze defensive zone. Ulett reached the puck and moved it into the corner before trying to skate around Grima, who continued the contest and positioned his body between Ulett and the puck. The review said Ulett then raised his right hand and struck Grima in the head, sending him to the ice.
The league noted that physical contact and body positioning are normal in battles for loose pucks along the boards, and that both players were off balance. However, it concluded Ulett controlled his upper-body movement, brought his right arm over the top and made forceful head contact warranting supplemental discipline.