Liiga’s disciplinary panel has handed Kärpät defenceman Rasmus Rissanen a two-game suspension for cross-checking KalPa’s Jonne Tammela in their game on 24 October. The incident occurred at 18:50 of the first period, and Rissanen was given a major penalty and game misconduct during the match.
After reviewing the video and Rissanen’s written statement, the panel ruled that he struck Tammela in the head with the shaft of his stick. It rejected Rissanen’s account that the stick first hit Tammela’s shoulder and then moved up to his helmet. The panel said the blow’s actual target and its dangerous outcome remained Rissanen’s responsibility, regardless of his stated intention.
The decision also noted that Tammela was on his knees at the time, the puck was elsewhere, and the hit was not part of a normal battle in front of the goal. The panel concluded that the force and circumstances amounted to reckless endangerment and warranted a two-game ban. The decision was dated 25 October.