HPK defenceman Olli Korhonen will not be suspended for his hit on Kärpät forward Lenni Kokkonen during their game on 3 October. The on-ice officials assessed Korhonen a major penalty and game misconduct for a hit to the head or neck after a video review, and the league’s chief video referee referred the incident for disciplinary review with a suspension proposed.
The disciplinary delegation reviewed game footage and written statements from Korhonen and HPK. It found that Korhonen approached at relatively low speed and delivered a sliding bodycheck to Kokkonen, who had possession of the puck. Kokkonen was aware of the incoming hit but turned his back before contact. The check’s force went to Kokkonen’s body, and the delegation said his head struck the boards as a result.
The delegation also noted Korhonen’s right arm and elbow were away from his body, but said the arm contacted Kokkonen’s upper back rather than forcefully targeting his head. Considering the circumstances, it concluded Korhonen had not recklessly endangered his opponent to a degree warranting suspension.