ECHL Announces Fines And Suspensions | 12/08/2024

The ECHL Department of Player Safety announced the following fines and suspensions on Sunday.

Fort Wayne’s Gorniak Fined and Suspended

Jack Gorniak, Fort Wayne Komets, has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine due to his actions during ECHL Game #277, which took place between Kalamazoo and Fort Wayne on December 7th. Jack Gorniak’s suspension and fine are in accordance with Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline, following a match penalty for slew-footing just 32 seconds into the first period. Consequently, Gorniak will miss Fort Wayne’s game against Bloomington on Friday, December 13th. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, all fines levied by the ECHL are contributed to the PHPA’s ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund.

Atlanta’s Topatigh Fined

Derek Topatigh from the Atlanta Gladiators has been fined an undisclosed amount due to his conduct during ECHL Game #278, where Atlanta faced Greenville on Saturday, December 7th. Derek Topatigh was penalized under Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline for a dangerous tripping incident that occurred at 19:52 of the second period but went unpenalized during the game. As a result, he has been fined an undisclosed amount. This fine, like those imposed Jack Gorniak, is collected by the ECHL and, in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, is donated to the PHPA for its ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund. This fund is designed to provide financial assistance to players facing hardships, ensuring support within the hockey community.