Former NHL forward Martin Frk has been suspended six games for kicking an opponent in the head in the Swiss National League.  Frk has also been assessed a fine of 7,600 Swiss francs ($8,769 USD / $11,746 CAD).

In the final minute of the first period, Lausanne’s Lawrence Pilut dumped the puck into the attacking zone from center ice. Frk, skating for the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, attempted to deliver a body check. He missed, crashing into the boards and flipping up and into the Lakers’ bench.  The Czech winger kicked his feet, catching Pilut in the face.  There was no penalty on the play. 

The league reviewed the play afterwards, suspending Frk while they investigated.  The Lakers forward missed one game while the investigation was underway, with the league tacking on five more games after review. 
  

 

The official report from the Swiss League classified Frk’s action as kicking, recommending a five-game ban.  From their report: 

[Frk] states that no there was an intentional kick to the head. He claims he tried to make a twisting movement to avoid falling into the players’ bench fall and to try to put his feet back on the ice.

The swing of the leg and the subsequent kick of the skate only occurred when Frk regained his balance and was no longer in danger of tipping over. His skate was also in a completely unusual position, elevated because his leg was bent. The blade struck the neck area, endangering Pilut, who suffered a slight laceration on his cheek from contact with the skate.

The league also notes that “players need to be aware that ice skates are dangerous objects” and that they are expected to control their actions at all times to avoid injuring an opponent.

IIHF Rule 49 covers kicking:

“The action of a player deliberately using their skate(s) with a kicking motion to propel the puck or to make contact with an opponent.”

More from the Swiss League’s official ruling:

As the video shows, Pilut skates the puck to the opponent’s blue line and dumps it in. Just as he releases the puck, he stops and gets out of the way of an incoming check from Frk. Frk, coming with lots of speed, misses Pilut and ends up going into his own bench. While he is up on the dasher, Pilut gives him a little extra push in the back side. Frk then swings his legs widely and, with his right skate, makes forceful contact with the neck/head area of Pilut.

When he first goes over the boards, his legs bend upwards at the knee. The final kick with his right leg is much different. His leg is extended and kicks back high and towards his opponent who is behind/alongside of him. He knows Pilut is there because he just had his hands on him. Contact with the skate blade is to the neck/head area of Pilut. Contact to any part of the body – especially this area – can have grave consequences. This action is very dangerous/reckless and cannot be tolerated. Pilut is very fortunate he was not seriously injured.

 

The Czech winger has one goal and no assists in seven games with the Lakers this season.

Frk spent six seasons in the National Hockey League, scoring 20 goals and 21 assists in 124 games split between the Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings. He was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings.