SM-liiga, also known as the Finnish Elite League, has introduced major punishments to crack down on players delivering head shots to other players during games. At a recent Board of Governors meeting, the league decided that all checks considered to be delivered to the head will result in an automatic minimum suspension of five games. Under the League's new rules, the disciplinary committee may impose a ban of up to 60 games or 9 months, depnding on the severity of the head shot and the injury sustained by the victim. The suspension can also go longer, if the League's Board of Governors approves it.
In its letter to all teams, Board Chair Heikki Hiltunen said Liiga is also setting up a team of experts to devise safety-enhancing rule changes and rule interpretations, and it wants Finland to be at the forefront of international development in this regard. The experts will invite players, coaches and referees to contribute to the discussion.
"The Board of Governors is appealing to all players in Finnish hockey to encourage and develop the practice of playing the game with more respect to a player and his safety," said Hiltunen.
The Finnish Elite League is also committing to the further diagnoses and treatment of major injuries, and all clubs will be required to maintain a disability record. There are currently 15 teams participating in SM-Liiga.
Source: Liiga.fi
