The DEL responded quickly to David Leggio’s rude unsportsmanship and decided to change the rules. In the future, a team will be awarded a goal on counterattack if the opponent’s goalkeeper deliberately moves the goal or removes his mask. This was announced by the DEL on Wednesday.
Leggio had deliberately lifted the goal in the home game of the German champions against the Fischtown Penguins (5-2) on Friday, when the guests rushed towards him in a quick counter-attack with underachievement.
The game must be interrupted in such a case. The US-American saved the due penalty shot.
In the North American league AHL Leggio had carried out a similar action three years ago. At that time there was also a rule change, in the meantime AHL Goalies get a disciplinary punishment for such behaviour.
The DEL took an example from North America and adapted its rules. In addition, the referees will be able to use video evidence to test break-away situations and penalty shots.
Leggio was fined by the DEL with an uncounted fine for “gross unsportsmanlike behaviour”.