The league's star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation

The experienced defender Rasmus Rissanen, 35, has received a two-match suspension from the Liiga for a cross-checking incident during Saturday’s match against KalPa.

The league’s disciplinary committee imposed the penalty for the situation in which Rissanen struck KalPa forward Jonne Tammela in the head with a cross-check at the end of the first period.

Rissanen already received a five-minute penalty and a game misconduct during the match. The case was then forwarded to the league’s disciplinary delegation for review.

According to the disciplinary decision, Tammela was on his knees on the ice at the time, and the puck was not in close proximity to the players. Rissanen was deemed to have struck the opponent forcefully in the head.

Rissanen defended himself in his statement to the disciplinary committee by saying that his stick first made contact with Tammela’s shoulder and only then rose to his head.

However, the disciplinary committee did not accept the defender’s explanation.

The decision stated that this was not a typical battle in front of the goal, but a strong cross-checking strike, which Rissanen recklessly used to endanger the opponent.

A two-match suspension means that Rissanen will have to watch from the stands during Kärppien’s Wednesday match against HPK and Saturday’s game against Jukurit.

Rissanen returned to the Liiga for this season after playing eight seasons in the SHL beforehand. The veteran defender, who has also participated in two World Championships during his career, has recorded 5 points (3+2) in 18 games this early season.

Liiga

@smliiga

Tilannehuone on tarkastanut lauantain #Kärpät–#KalPa-ottelusta tilanteen ajassa 18.50, jossa Kärppien #2 Rasmus Rissasen lyö poikittaisella mailalla KalPan #47 Jonne Tammelaa. Tilanteesta tuomittiin videotarkistuksen jälkeen 5+PR poikittaisesta mailasta