KHL to tackle foul play

With just two weeks to go until the start of the new season, KHL Development Vice-President and Disciplinary Committee Chairman Valery Kamensky has informed all the teams in the Kontinental Hockey League system that the Committee will crack down on any reckless and dangerous play during the forthcoming campaign.

In his address, Mr. Kamensky listed the main kinds of violations on which the Disciplinary Committee will focus.

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“Dear owners, coaches, players and other of hockey club employees,

On behalf of the KHL Sporting and Disciplinary Committee I would like to draw your attention to certain kinds of foul play. The analysis conducted over the course of last season by the Disciplinary Committee shows that the following violations are particularly likely to result in injury:

– hits to the head

– kneeing

– kicking

– boarding

– slashing, and striking an opponent between the legs

– charging the goalie

– being the aggressor in a brawl

Any occurrence of the violations listed above will come under close scrutiny by the Disciplinary Committee, which will conduct detailed investigation and take the most severe measures stipulated in the regulations. We make no apology for repeating once again that when the tournament is plagued by injuries, it has a negative effect on the entertainment value of the Championship and on the image and reputation of the entire League.

In addition to the fouls mentioned, may I draw your attention to the fact that the Committee does not only investigate incidents and foul play which take place during a game, but also those that occur during warm-ups or immediately after a game. I therefore consider it necessary to remind all that for these disciplinary violations, including abuse of the officials, the Committee has the right to impose additional sanctions on any offenders.

I wish you all a very good season and an honest, sporting contest!”