UHL corrects initial release on Andrei Deniskin's suspension; penalty gets more severe

The Ukrainian Hockey League made a mistake when initially releasing the suspension details for Andrei Deniskin, the player who made a racist gesture at Jalen Smereck during a game over the weekend. The initial release stated Deniskin was given an automatic three game suspension for receiving a match penalty, and was given an additional 10 games that could be wiped clean if Deniskin paid a fine of around $188 USD per game ($1880 total). However, TSN's Gord Miller said he spoke to an official with the Ukrainian Hockey Federation this afternoon and the release should have stated "and", not "or".

"According to the Federation official, Deniskin can NOT pay the fine instead of serving the 10 games. An official with the Ukrainian Hockey League apparently tweeted out incorrect information earlier today, using the word 'or' instead of 'and' when referring to the fine," said Miller.

Miller also stated a report has been filed with the International Ice Hockey Federation. However, the IIHF does not have the authority to increase Deniskin's suspension in the UHL. It can only bar him from representing Ukraine in international hockey tournaments, which seems likely. Although for what length of time remains up in the air right now.

Even with the 13 game suspension and the fine, the punishment still seems very light. Many, including several former and current black NHL players, had called for anywhere from a year to a lifetime ban for Deniskin, including Georges Laraque, Kevin Weekes, and Anthony Duclair. Smereck took a leave of absence from the UHL and it has been reported that the IIHF is attempting to find him a team in another league to join.

Deniskin was assessed an automatic 3 game suspension for receiving a match penalty. In addition, he was given a 10 game suspension for violating the Code of Conduct (10 games is the maximum allowable, that rule will be reviewed at the end of the season). He was also fined.— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) September 29, 2021

The report from the game has been forwarded to @IIHFHockey. To be clear, the IIHF cannot alter the league suspension, but it can bar Deniskin, who plays for the national team, from playing internationally for as long as it chooses.— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) September 29, 2021

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