PLAYER SAFETY ANNOUNCES SUSPENSIONS FOR 2/22/25

From The FPHL Department of Player Safety

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

Mississippi Sea Wolves Barr,  SUSPENDED
Mississippi forward Justin Barr has been suspended for Fourteen Games as a result from his actions during FPHL Game No. 275 in Biloxi, MS on Saturday, February 22nd.  FPHL Director of Player Safety Dave Jackson elaborated on a lengthy review of the incident an stated,  "This incident is an extremely egregious example of Physical Abuse of an Official. There are those who will say that the official should not have intervened, but intervening and attempting to prevent brawls and injuries is what linesmen are literally tasked with doing. The linesman is not permitted to 'stand down' and allow chaos to reign, especially when there is no willing opponent ready to engage. We can all agree that hockey is an emotional game and players will occasionally act in a manner that is inconsistent with their reputation. Being able to acknowledge this and admit your mistake is admirable but unfortunately, does not absolve a player of blame and the need to accept the consequences of their actions. If you read the description of Category I (rule 40.2) it is fairly easy to recognize that this incident checks all the boxes within that rule. The FPHL rulebook mirrors the NHL rulebook in every way with the exception of a specified number of games for category I, Physical Abuse of Officials. The NHL rulebook calls for an automatic 20 game suspension which is 1/4 of the regular season. Using this as the guideline we apply to every situation that arises, and taking into account that the FPHL only plays 56 games, Mr. Barr is suspended for FOURTEEN (14) GAMES which is ¼ of the FPHL schedule."

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