Haas suspended for three games for charging

Stars forward receives suspension

On Sunday night in Dundee, Stars defensemen Kyle Haas was assessed a Major and Game Misconduct penalty for charging on Giants forward Jordan Boucher.

As the video shows, Boucher picks up the puck from his teammate on the side wall and walks it out towards the centre of the ice in an attempt to make an attacking play. Haas, who was serving a minor penalty, leaves the penalty bench at the end of the penalty and skates hard towards Boucher.

Haas, moving with excessive momentum gained from travelling a considerable distance, finishes his check violently and with unwarranted force on Boucher, making significant head contact in the process.

This is charging. It is important to note how charging is defined in the rule book. The relevant portion of the rule states: "Charging shall mean the actions of a player who, as a result of distance travelled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner." Haas does not attempt to make a play on the puck using his stick, and instead takes one hand off his stick, raises his hands and elbows and loads up for contact.

This is not just a collision between two players attempting to occupy the same space on the ice. Instead, it is apparent to DOPS that Haas' intention on this play is to deliver a hard, violent check to an opponent. In short, this is a player who has travelled a considerable distance, is moving with speed and is fully aware of his momentum, who chooses to charge into an opponent with a high predatory hit.

To summarise:

• This is Charging
• Haas has been fined and warned previously during the 2021/22 Premier Sports Elite League Season

Effective immediately, Dundee Stars 25 Kyle Hass is fined and suspended for three (3) games.