The IIHF has always been very strict regarding contact to the head/neck, boarding, and checking from behind. That was the case on Monday afternoon, as the IIHF announced they were suspending Austrian defenceman Philipp Wimmer for two-games. The suspension comes after Wimmer violently hit Team USA forward Patrick Moynihan in the head late in the third period of Austria's 11-0 loss. Wimmer was assessed a five minute major and a game misconduct for checking to the head on the play.
Wimmer will miss Austria's games against Sweden (December 28th), and against Russia (December 29th) before being eligible to return on New Year's Eve for their game against the Czech Republic.
Philipp Wimmer with a scary hit which earns him a 5 minute major and a game misconduct. Patrick Moynihan left the ice on his own power 🙏 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/stoo08aacK— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2020
The following is from the IIHF's press release describing the reason for Wimmer's suspension:
"The violation occurred at 58:53 in the 3rd period of the game between USA and Austria. USA forward Patrick Moynihan was skating towards Austria's net. Moynihan received a pass between the blue line and the center line and passed the puck further to his teammate on the left side.
After Moynihan passed the puck to his teammate Wimmer – who skated in parallel a few meters from Moynihan watching his opponent – suddenly changed his direction and initiated a check to Moynihan, who was unaware of Wimmer approaching from his blind spot. Wimmer directed his body with a strong upward motion to the head of Moynihan. Wimmer's upward motion resulted in his skates leaving the ice as he delivered the blow to the head of Moynihan. Both players fell on the ice, but Wimmer was able to get up immediately while Moynihan remained on the ice for a moment before leaving the ice.
Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that, because Wimmer engaged in a strong upward motion with his skates leaving the ice as he made contact with Moynihan's head, Wimmer's actions were extremely dangerous, created a serious risk of injury to Moynihan and violated IIHF Official Rule 124-Checking to the Head and Neck Area. Wimmer could have delivered a clean check rather than a check to the head in this situation."
Wimmer, 19, is currently playing for RedBull Juniors the Alps Hockey League which consists of teams in Austria, northern Italy, and Slovenia. In 9 games this season, he has 2 points (2 G), 31 penalty minutes, and is a +7.
Internationally, Wimmer has represented Austria on a couple of occasions. Prior to the 2021 World Juniors, he participated at the 2019 IIHF World U-18 Championships in the Division 1B tournament. In 5 games, he had 2 points (1 G, 1 A), 6 penalty minutes, and was a +/-0, as Austria finished second, missing out on promotion to Japan won the tournament by 1 point.
