The ECHL Department of Player’s Safety has announced that Indy Fuel defenseman Matt Cairns has been suspended for his actions in Tuesday’s game vs Wheeling Nailers. Cairns was assessed a fighting major and a game misconduct for being the aggressor of one of multiple altercations that broke out as the final horn sounded on Game 4. Per ECHL Rule 46.22, that penalty also comes with a one-game suspension, which Cairns will serve tomorrow as the Fuel needs a win to keep their season alive. The 25-year-old defenseman had three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 49 games this year, those 16 points matched his career high from the 2021-22 season. Cairns had an assist in game 2 of the series vs Wheeling Nailers, as that’s his only point during the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
The former third-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2016 is in his third season in the ECHL, as he’s spent time with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Indy Fuel. He’s put up six goals, and 35 assists for 41 points in 170 games while adding two assists in 22 Kelly Cup Playoff Games. The Ontario Native has also played in 14 AHL games, putting up two assists throughout his career playing with the Rochester Americans, Milwaukee Admirals, and Hartford Wolf Pack. Prior to going pro Cairns spent his three years at Cornell University before transferring to Minnesota-Duluth for his final year of eligibility, he would put up three goals and nine assists for 12 points over the four years in the NCAA.
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