The Invicta Dynamos have been awarded the points from last month’s clash with the Cardiff ENL Devils after it had to be abandoned.
The Dynamos today received the ruling from the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) with regards to the abandoned clash against the Cardiff ENL Devils at the Silver Blades Ice Rink Gillingham on Saturday 17th December.
Game Outcome
The EIHA have ruled that Cardiff’s refusal to leave the dressing room and play the third period of the tie contravenes International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rule 567 and that the decision to abandon the tie should only be made by the match referee in this situation.
Subsequently, the game has been awarded 5-0 to the Invicta Dynamos. In addition the ENL Devils have been deducted two league points from their ENIHL South Division 1 total and penalised with a suspended fine of £250 that runs until the close of the season.
Crowd Involvement
The EIHA have ruled that the actions of both home supporters and Cardiff players involved in an altercation in and around the visitors’ bench during the second period of the game was unacceptable. Subsequently the Invicta Dynamos have been awarded a £250 fine, payable within 30 days, and received a list of future requirements to prevent a similar situation arising again. With this in mind the club wish to remind all supporters that:
• As already enforced at our most recent home game, certain areas behind the away bench and penalty box will be sectioned off for the safety of both spectators and players alike.
• At no time should spectators attempt to enter into an altercation with players from either side.
• Bottles are not to be taken into the Silver Blades Ice Rink Gillingham. • Security will be most vigilant at games more likely to create an unacceptable situation.
Disciplinary Action
No further penalties or suspensions have been awarded to the Invicta Dynamos with Ryan Giles, Alastair Band and Grant Baxter having served or still serving the suspensions for the match penalties they each received on Saturday 17th December.
The relevant Cardiff ENL Devils’ player and bench official have each been handed bans deemed appropriate by the EIHA.
Conclusion
The Invicta Dynamos regret the abandonment of the home tie with Cardiff in December and are satisfied to be able to draw a line under the situation and look ahead to the rest of the season. The incidents during the clash with the ENL Devils are isolated and far from the norm and the club remain committed to ensuring ice hockey at the Silver Blades Ice Rink Gillingham is a family friendly environment.
During these difficult circumstances we would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their fervent backing and, with their help, we look forward to generating more favourable headlines for both the club and sport itself for the remainder of 2011/12 and beyond.
Picture by David Trevallion