ECHL: Fines and Suspensions | 12/30/2024

Following the ECHL game between Kalamazoo and Bloomington on December 29th, several disciplinary actions were taken. Zach Berzolla from Kalamazoo has been suspended for three games and fined for fighting off the playing surface. This means he will miss the games against Indy on December 31st and January 3, as well as the game against Bloomington on January 4th. Jackson Leppard from Bloomington has also been suspended pending a hearing regarding his actions during the same incident; as a result, he will at least miss the game against Fort Wayne on December 31st.

Connor Lockhart from Bloomington received a two-game suspension and a fine for instigating and being the aggressor in the final minutes of the game, which will keep him out of the games against Fort Wayne on December 31st and Cincinnati on January 3rd. Blake McLaughlin from Bloomington was fined for his actions during the incident but will be available for upcoming games.

These suspensions will have a considerable effect on team strategies. Kalamazoo must modify their defensive lineup to account for the absence of Zach Berzolla and Bloomington will encounter challenges with the loss of Jackson Leppard and Connor Lockhart, which could undermine both their offensive and defensive strengths. The return of Blake McLaughlin will provide some relief for Bloomington, as they can still depend on his contributions on the ice.

The game on December 29th ended with Bloomington defeating Kalamazoo 5-2. For the upcoming matches, Kalamazoo must get ready to face the Indy Fuel on December 31st and January 3rd, followed by a game against Bloomington on January 4th. At the same time, Bloomington will need to prepare for their games against Fort Wayne on December 31st and Cincinnati on January 3rd.

According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, any fines imposed on players by the ECHL are directed to the PHPA to support its ECHL Player’s Hardship Fund.