Fife Flyers captain Gareth Hunt has been handed a six-game suspension for a ‘sucker punch’.
The incident occurred during Sunday 5-4 defeat at home to Manchester Storm – a result which saw the flyers drop to the foot of the Elite League standings.
During the incident, Manchester Storm’s Dante Hannoun entered the ice with around two minutes gone and played the puck down the wall, before being engaged by Hunt moments later.
Hunt proceeded to direct a punch at the unwilling Hannoun, who was sent to the ice after attempting to celebrate the night’s opening goal with his team-mates.
Whilst on the ice, Hannoun was struck again before his team-mates and officials were able to intervene.
Hunt was immediately ejected from the game, while Hannoun was taken to the dressing room shortly after and did not return.
The decision to suspend Hunt for six games marks the biggest sanction handed out by the Elite League’s Department of Player Safety (DOPS) this season.
DOPS also confirmed that Hunt’s prior record played a part in the severity of the ban.
During the last meeting between the two teams, Hunt and Hannoun were involved in another incident which saw Hannoun run at the Flyers man and led to Hunt being ejected for his actions.
‘An intentional act done for the purpose of retribution’
Photo credit: Derek Young
Confirming their decision, a DOPS statement read: “On Sunday night in Fife, Flyers forward #74 Garet Hunt was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for a Dangerous Punch – “Sucker Punch”.
“As the video shows, Hannoun enters the ice and takes a position at the point. Hannoun recovers a loose puck, then passes the puck down the wall to a team-mate, and is immediately engaged by Hunt.
“After passing the puck, Hannoun monitors the play and skates down the wall. As he reaches the top of the circles, Hunt grabs hold of Hannoun and drops his stick in an attempt to engage.
“Hannoun, holding both arms up, clearly indicates he is not prepared for the situation to escalate to a fight.
“As play goes on, the Storm score. Hannoun, at this point, moves towards his team-mates to celebrate. Hunt lets go of Hannoun and delivers a punch to his head, sending him to the ice.
“While down on the ice and in a vulnerable position, Hunt then delivers a second forceful blow to Hannoun who is an unwilling combatant causing an injury. This is a “Sucker Punch”.
“It is important to note that at no time in the sequence does Hannoun show any interest in participating in a fight and gives no indication that he is a willing or suspecting combatant as he remains focused on the play rather than focusing on Hunt.
“While down on the ice, Hunt throws a forceful blow to Hannoun’s face, at a time when Hannoun is not able to defend himself.
“With an understanding of previous incidents between these two players, this is an intentional act done by a player for the purpose of retribution.”
Hunt will only be eligible to return to Flyers action on Saturday 31 January for their home game against Guildford Flames.
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