The stance on the controversial hit on Belfast Giants’ David Goodwin by Masi Marjamaki has been clarified by the Elite League.
The Finnish winger was shown to have performed a check to the head in Sunday’s meeting between the sides, but no action had been taken by the league’s Department of Player Safety.
And the position of DOPS has been clarified in a statement to the Belfast Telegraph which reveals Marjamaki will receive no further punishment after being given a five plus game penalty at the time.
The statement, in a piece by Adam McKendry, said: ”The player making the hit stayed tucked and there was no elevation or upward movement prior to the hit, which delivered significant body to body contact while the head was not targeted.
“It was concluded by both (leagues that assessed the incident) that a five minute major penalty and game misconduct on the play were sufficient.
WATCH: Masi Marjamaki’s hit on David Goodwin
“The injury report submitted by the Belfast Giants was also consistent with there being significant body to body contact, and with the force of the hit coming through the body rather than the head.”
The League also confirmed a second opinion was sought from another European league, backing up the decision initially made by DOPS in this incident, which occurred in the third period.
The footage itself has brought furious reaction from all over the league, with the DOPS system heavily criticised for failing to deal with what’s been regarded as a very dangerous hit.
While it’s understood Goodwin did not sustain a concussion, he is expected to miss out for a period of time with an upper body injury at a crucial time of the season.
Both teams don’t play this weekend due to the Great Britain team being on international duty, but will return to action next week.
