Story Summary
Kladno forward Niko Ojamäki has been suspended for one match by the Czech Extraliga disciplinary commission following his hit on Třinec defenceman Patrik Koch.
Ojamäki had opened the scoring in the sixth minute on Oceláři ice, but four minutes later was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct after catching Koch in the head and neck area behind the home net. Referees Kika and Cabák reviewed the incident on video before issuing the on-ice penalty.
The disciplinary commission, chaired by Radim Bičánek, ruled that Ojamäki made a front-on hit against an opponent in possession of the puck without attempting to win it. It added that he raised his posture late in the hit and made primary contact with Koch’s head and neck.
Koch completed the game, which Třinec won 6:4. Ojamäki will now sit out Kladno’s Friday home meeting with Hradec Králové.
Key Facts
- Niko Ojamäki received a one-match suspension from the Czech Extraliga disciplinary commission.
- The Kladno forward was penalised for his hit on Třinec defenceman Patrik Koch behind the home net.
- Ojamäki scored in the sixth minute before the incident, which occurred four minutes later.
- After a video review, referees Kika and Cabák handed Ojamäki a five-minute major and game misconduct.
- The disciplinary commission said Ojamäki did not attempt to win the puck and made primary contact with Koch’s head and neck.
- Koch finished the match as Třinec secured a 6:4 victory.
- Ojamäki, Kladno’s third-highest scorer with 3 goals and 2 assists, will miss the home game against Hradec Králové.
IHM Discussion
The sanction removes Ojamäki from Kladno’s immediate plans after an eventful spell in Třinec. His early goal put Kladno ahead, but the subsequent major penalty and game misconduct ended his involvement in the match.
The commission’s reasoning centred on the nature of the contact rather than the outcome alone. Its finding that Ojamäki made no attempt to play the puck, increased his position late in the hit and contacted Koch’s head and neck explains the one-game disciplinary response. The fact that Koch was able to complete the game was also cited when the punishment was determined.
Why It Matters
Ojamäki’s absence takes 3 goals and 2 assists out of the Kladno line-up for Friday’s match. As the club’s third-most productive player, he is a notable short-term loss, while the decision also underlines the league’s scrutiny of head and neck contact on checks against puck carriers.
What Comes Next
Kladno are scheduled to host Hradec Králové on Friday, with Ojamäki set to serve his one-match suspension in that fixture.