NWHL Player Safety Suspends Long, Orlando for One Game
January 8, 2016 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) News Release
NEW YORK, NY - The National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) held two player safety hearings on Thursday, resulting in one-game suspensions for Micaela Long (Connecticut Whale) and Elena Orlando (New York Riveters).
The Player Safety Committee, who are charged with reviewing plays, holding hearings, and determining supplemental discipline, includes NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan, NWHLPA Director Erika Lawler, Patrick Burke from the NHL's Department of Player Safety, Matt Leaf, Director of USA Hockey's Officiating Education Program, 2014 U.S. Olympian Josephine Pucci and representatives from the NWHLPA who did not partake in the game where each incident was in question.
Both meetings were centered around this incident (Video: https://youtu.be/eyUDXTPQqgo) during the third period of Sunday's game between the Riveters and Whale. Long was originally assessed a five minute major for charging, a two minute minor for roughing and a game misconduct. New York Captain Ashley Johnston also received a roughing minor on the play.
After further review, Long has been suspended for one game due to her high, late hit, which took place approximately six seconds after the referee's whistle. Johnston was injured on the play.
Orlando has been suspended for one game for leaving the bench and immediately joining an altercation in process between the players who were already on the ice. In the video, Orlando can be seen throwing punches at a Connecticut player.
Two other New York players, Morgan Fritz-Ward and Bray Ketchum, also left the bench and became involved in the altercation. The Player Safety Committee has determined that their actions, while illegal, are not worthy of a suspension, as they were not as actively involved in the altercation as Orlando.
The Player Safety Committee has decided to create a warning system, wherein players who perform illegal actions can be given a 'warning strike' or multiple strikes when their actions are not considered suspendible. When a player has received three strikes, they will be called to a player safety hearing and may face supplemental discipline.
Both Long and Orlando will miss Saturday evening's Whale-Riveters rematch at Ingalls Rink in New Haven, Connecticut.
NWHL Player Safety Videos:
Long - https://youtu.be/Shea31HyCuk
Orlando - https://youtu.be/zFrBMzH5cDA
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from January 8, 2016
- Health Update, Statements on Denna Laing - Boston Pride
- NWHL Preview: Whale Host Riveters in Rematch at Yale - Connecticut Whale
- NWHL Player Safety Suspends Long, Orlando for One Game - PHF
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