Story Summary
Kärpät’s experienced defenceman Rasmus Rissanen has received a two-game suspension from Liiga following a cross-checking incident in Saturday’s game against KalPa.
The disciplinary delegation ruled that Rissanen struck KalPa forward Jonne Tammela forcefully in the head with his stick late in the first period. Tammela was on his knees and the puck was not close to either player, according to the decision.
Rissanen had already been assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct during the match. He told the disciplinary process that his stick first made contact with Tammela’s shoulder before rising to his head, but Liiga did not accept that account.
The 35-year-old will sit out Kärpät’s Wednesday fixture against HPK and Saturday’s meeting with Jukurit.
Key Facts
- Kärpät defenceman Rasmus Rissanen has been suspended for two Liiga matches after a cross-checking incident against KalPa.
- Liiga ruled that Rissanen struck KalPa forward Jonne Tammela forcefully in the head late in the first period.
- The disciplinary decision stated that Tammela was on his knees and the puck was not near either player at the time of the incident.
- Rissanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct during the KalPa match.
- Rissanen said his stick initially hit Tammela’s shoulder before making contact with his head, but Liiga rejected that explanation.
- Rissanen will miss Kärpät’s matches against HPK on Wednesday and Jukurit on Saturday.
- Rissanen returned to Liiga this season after eight seasons in the SHL and has recorded three goals and two assists in 18 games.
- The 35-year-old Rissanen has played in two World Championships.
IHM Discussion
The suspension removes an experienced player from Kärpät’s defence for two fixtures and confirms Liiga’s view that the offence went beyond a routine battle around the net. The league placed particular weight on Tammela’s position on his knees, the absence of the puck nearby and the force of the contact to the head.
Rissanen’s explanation was considered during the process, but it did not alter the disciplinary outcome. His in-game major and ejection had already reflected the seriousness with which the officials viewed the play; the subsequent ban adds two matches of further punishment.
Rissanen has made a productive start following his return to Liiga, with five points in 18 appearances. His absence nevertheless stems from a specific disciplinary ruling rather than any reported change to his wider role with Kärpät.
Why It Matters
Kärpät will be without a veteran defenceman for consecutive league fixtures against HPK and Jukurit. Rissanen’s suspension also underlines the importance Liiga placed on player safety in a situation involving contact to the head when the opponent was down on the ice and away from the puck.
Mini Q&A
Why was Rasmus Rissanen suspended?
Liiga suspended Rissanen for two games after ruling that he forcefully cross-checked Jonne Tammela in the head while Tammela was on his knees and the puck was not nearby.
Which Kärpät matches will Rasmus Rissanen miss?
Rissanen will miss Kärpät’s Wednesday match against HPK and Saturday’s game against Jukurit.
What did Rasmus Rissanen say in his defence?
Rissanen said his stick first contacted Tammela’s shoulder before rising to his head, but Liiga did not accept the explanation.
What Comes Next
Rissanen is set to serve the first match of his suspension when Kärpät face HPK on Wednesday, before completing the ban against Jukurit on Saturday.