DeFazio, Likhotnikov banned for 1 game

The KHL Disciplinary Committee met on Sunday to investigate the two incidents which saw Red Star Kunlun forward Brandon DeFazio amass a total of 42 penalty minutes in Saturday's match against Barys in Astana.

The first episode occurred with 16 seconds of the first period remaining, when several players were involved in a brawl. After the conflict had sunsided, DeFazio, who had been exchanging punches with Barys forward Artyom Likhotnikov, was given a minor plus major plus misconduct penalty (2+5+10 minutes) for (respectively) roughing, fisticuffs, and being the instigator in a fight, while Likhotnikov received a major penalty (5 minutes) for fisticuffs.

After reviewing the evidence, the Committee rescinded DeFazio's minor and misconduct penalties, but ruled that the 5-minute penalty for fisticuffs should remain in force, as should the major penalty awarded against Likhotnikov. For the Barys player, this was the second 5-minute penalty of the current season, and he therefore incurs further disciplinary measures for repeat offending. As a result, Artyom Likhotnikov has been fined and suspended for one game.

The Committee then studied the incident from the 52nd minute in which DeFazio was sent to the locker room for slashing. In this case, the Committee supported the referee's decision and ruled that the major plus game misconduct penalty (5+20 minutes) must remain in force. As with Likhotnikov, this was the player's second 5-minute penalty of the season (indeed, the second of the match), and he duly incurs an identical punishment. Brandon DeFazio must therefore pay a fine and serve a one-game suspension.