The ECHL Department of Player Safety on Thursday announced the following fines and suspensions.
Wheeling Nailers – Sam Houde
Wheeling’s Sam Houde has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions in ECHL Game #222, Toledo at Wheeling, on Nov. 27. Houde is fined and suspended under Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline as a result of his major penalty for kneeing at 8:16 of the third period. Houde will miss Wheeling’s game at Cincinnati on Nov. 29.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, player fines collected by the ECHL are given to the PHPA for its ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund.
Statistics for Sam Houde:
Sam Houde has played 12 games so far this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists, totaling 11 points. He has a plus/minus rating of +6 and has accumulated 15 penalty minutes. Houde has taken 26 shots on goal, with a shooting percentage of 23.1%.
Impact of Houde’s Absence:
Sam Houde has been a significant contributor to the Wheeling Nailers this season, being one of the team’s top scorers. His absence for the game against Cincinnati on November 29 could impact the team’s offensive production, as they will need to find other sources of offense. Additionally, Houde has contributed to the power play with two power play assists, so the team might struggle to maintain their power play effectiveness without him. His positive plus/minus rating indicates he is effective at both ends of the ice, and the team will certainly miss his two-way play.
The Nailers will need help to fill the gap left by Houde’s suspension. Players like Atley Calvert and Matty De St. Phalle, who have also been strong performers, will likely be looked to for help in maintaining the team’s performance.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Mikael Robidoux
Greenville’s Mikael Robidoux has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions in ECHL Game #212, Greenville at Atlanta, on Nov. 27 at Gas South Arena. Robidoux is fined and suspended under Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline as a result of his major penalty and game misconduct for boarding at 18:01 of the first period after a hit on Atlanta Captain Eric Neiley. As a result, Robidoux will miss Greenville’s game at South Carolina on Nov. 29.
Statistics for Mikael Robidoux:
Mikael Robidoux has played 10 games this season. While he hasn’t scored any goals or provided any assists, he has a plus/minus rating of -1 and has accumulated 42 penalty minutes. Robidoux has taken 4 shots on goal.
Impact of Robidoux’s Absence:
Mikael Robidoux’s absence for the game against South Carolina on November 29 could impact the team in several ways. With 42 penalty minutes in 10 games, Robidoux is definitely known for his physical style of play, and his absence might reduce the team’s physicality on the ice. Although he hasn’t contributed offensively, his role in enforcing and defending might be missed, especially against a tough opponent. The Stingrays might find more openings to create scoring chances without him disrupting their plays. Greenville team will need to make some adjustments to their lineup to compensate for this.
The Swamp Rabbits may need other players to step up and maintain their physical and defensive presence. Players like Parker Berge and Bryce Brodzinski, who have been strong performers for Greenville, will likely be players that will do so.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, player fines collected by the ECHL are given to the PHPA for its ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund.
