FPHL Releases Update On Justin Barr Suspension Appeal

Binghamton, NY - The Federal prospect hockey league has announced its decision in the Mississippi Sea wolves suspension appeal of Justin Barr.

Shortly after the announcement of the 14 game suspension of Justin Barr following an incident in Biloxi Mississippi where he struck an official to the ice, the Mississippi Sea wolves formally requested an appeal.  His suspension was based on the NHL suspension standard for physical abuse of an official which is 1/4 of the playing season (20 games). 1/4 of the FPHL playing season is 14 games.

Due to the nature of the incident, it was referred to the office of the Commissioner of the FPHL.  The Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner of the FPHL made the decision to move forward with the appeal process.

Justin Barr has also announced his intent to officially retire from professional hockey following the 2025-26 FPHL season. The FPHL Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner have made the decision to reduced Justin’s suspension from 14 games to 12 games and allow Justin to play in the final home game of Mississippi Sea wolves on Saturday, April 5, 2025 versus the Danbury Hat Tricks. Justin will not be eligible for any playoffs or further play following his final game.

FPHL commissioner Don Kirnan stated, “Justin has been a pillar of sportsmanship over the years he’s been with the league.  His reaching out to us and taking full ownership of his actions and the consequences to them has spoke volumes of his character as a person.  We fully standby our on ice officials as they put themselves in harms way to do an extremely difficult job. Striking an official while in the process of doing their job will not be tolerated. While we have reduced this suspension and are allowing Justin to play in his final home game, this in no way means that we condone the physical contact he made with the on ice official. Justin’s apologies to the league, on ice officials and his taking full ownership for his actions reflected greatly upon his personal character which is what we strive for in our players and coaches around the league. We felt Justin should have the opportunity to end his career on a positive note for himself , his family and the fans.”

The FPHL is a Single-A Minor Professional hockey league operating in its 15th season during 2024-25.