20-year-old defenseman suspended for 13 months after attacking a referee
Nicholas Pezzetta, a 20 year old defenseman for the Brixen/Bressanone HC Falcons has been suspended by the Italian Ice Sports Federation (FISG) for 13 months following an altercation with a referee.
The FISG's decision came after Pezzetta allegedly hit a referee in the leg with his stick after a faceoff which is an act that FISG claims was done with intent to injure.
The incident led to a lengthy suspension which is rare but not unheard of in hockey for any contact with officials. Pezzetta who had scored three assists in nine games this season was penalized during the game with a 20 minute penalty. Following the game further review by the FISG resulted in the extended suspension due to what they considered a serious breach of conduct.
Pezzetta reportedly «approached [the referee] with the intention of injuring him and hit him from behind at calf height with his stick.» The referee fell to the ground «in pain» and Pezzetta was handed a 20-minute penalty.
The 20-year-old defender has scored 3 (0+3) points in 9 games in the Italian Hockey League this season."
This extended suspension is a strict measure for a minor injury, sparking some debate over the severity of the punishment. Still, in hockey, aggressive conduct toward officials is strictly prohibited, and Pezzetta's actions have come with serious repercussions, keeping him off the ice for more than a year.
To see the incident check out the video here:
