McNulty suspended for one game

Flames forward receives suspension

On Wednesday night in Guildford, Flames forward Ian McNulty made an illegal hit on Giants forward David Goodwin which removed Goodwin from the game with an apparent injury.

As the video shows, late in the second period with the score at 1-6, Goodwin and McNulty are pursuing a loose puck in the end zone. Goodwin arrives at the puck first making a play on the puck, while McNulty arrives as the puck is released and finishes his check violently, with unwarranted force into Goodwin, making head contact in the process, causing an apparent injury which removed Goodwin from the game. This is Charging.

It is important to note how charging is defined in the rulebook. The relevant portion of the rule states:

"Charging shall mean the actions of a Player who either jumps to check an opponent, builds up speed by taking multiple strides immediately prior to making contact and/or travels an excessive distance with the sole purpose of delivering such a hit and/or violently checks an opponent in any manner."

This play could be looked at as a normal offensive play to pressure the defensive team and keep the puck in the attacking zone, with both players in pursuit of the puck and Goodwin winning the race to the puck. However, as Goodwin makes a play on the puck, McNulty does not make an attempt to make a play on the puck with his stick, and instead takes a couple of quick strides, has his stick off the ice, turns his body and loads up for contact.

While it is not required for a player to make a play on the puck, the intention of a legal body check is to separate the puck from the puck carrier, not to separate the puck carrier from the game. McNulty, after taking a couple of quick steps, is focused on separating Goodwin from the game, is fully aware of his momentum, and chooses to charge into a vulnerable opponent with a high hit that causes injury.

To Summarise:

• This is Charging
• McNulty has neither been fined nor suspended during the 2022/23 Viaplay Elite League season

Effective immediately, Guildford Flames’ Ian McNulty is fined and suspended for one game. This incident will remain on the player’s record for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.