Player Safety Announces Suspensions for 10/18/24

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

Binghamton, NY – The FPHL Department of Player Safety today have announced the following suspensions.

Hudson Valley Venom Jesseau,  SUSPENDED
Hudson Valley forward Dustin Jesseau has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 7 in Newburgh, NY on Friday, October 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Mr. Jesseau did not agree with being penalized. He went after another player, had to be escorted to the box, and once in the box, slammed his stick on the boards while verbally abusing the officials. He received a 10 min misconduct but that did not settle him down. He continued until the referees were forced to throw him out of the game. Once ejected he refused to leave the box and had to be convinced by his own teammates and coach. This cannot be tolerated and since there is no mechanism to fine players, Mr. Jesseau will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Carolina Thunderbirds Whalen,  SUSPENDED
Carolina Defenseman Gordon Whalen has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 8 in Port Huron, MI on Friday, October 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "Mr. Whalen chose to spear his opponent in the groin for no purpose other than to inflict punishment. This was not a hockey play, it was a dirty play that will not be tolerated. Mr. Whalen will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

Carolina Thunderbirds Keeley,  SUSPENDED
Carolina Defenseman Clay Keeley has been suspended for One Game as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 8 in Port Huron, MI on Friday, October 18th.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson stated, "This was a hockey fight initiated by Mr. Keeley. The players fought until the linesmen decided that it was time to intervene. They gave verbal commands to the players to stop fighting. As discussed on our coaches conference call, it is imperative that players stop throwing punches once the linesmen enter the altercation. In this case, Mr. Keeley continued throwing punches and ended up straight-arming the linesman, knocking him to the ice. I do not believe it was intentional otherwise we would be applying "abuse of officials" protocols but it does fall under rule 46.5, Continuing an Altercation. Mr. Keeley will be suspended for ONE (1) GAME."

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