Kasimir Kaskisuo, a former NHL goalie, received a five-game suspension from the Swedish Hockey League for hitting a referee in the back of the head with a water bottle during a game last week. On Friday, Kaskisuo’s team, Leksands IF, announced that he was fined $2,271 and banned for five games as per the SHL’s Disciplinary Board ruling. The league found that Kaskisuo’s behavior during the game against HV71 on Thursday was in violation of its rules of conduct.
After losing 3-2 in overtime, Kaskisuo, who was visibly frustrated, threw his water bottle at a referee, as seen in videos circulating on social media. The incident occurred right after the final whistle.
“All forms of improper body contact against a referee or other official must be punished with game misconduct on the ice (Rule 40.1) and reported to the disciplinary board. The footage shows that Kasimir Kaskisuo picks up his water bottle after the final whistle and throws it at the referee, who is some distance away with his back to Kasimir Kaskisuo,” the Disciplinary Board said in its decision.
“The bottle also hits the referee’s head. Kaskisuo shall be punished for physical abuse of officials and shall lead to a suspension in accordance with the decision above. Kasimir Kaskisuo must also pay a fine in the amount stated in the decision.”
“After an obvious too many men on the ice and/or offside in the same situation, I let in a poor goal in an important loss, and my emotions and frustration took over,” he said via ScoutingtheRefs.com.
“As an athlete on the highest level, I should handle these things in another way. In this case I didn’t and for that I’m very sorry and feel embarrassed about it. I apologize to the referee, my teammates, the organization and the fans.”
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