NWHL Suspends Buffalo Beauts Forward Kelley Steadman for Illegal Hit

The National Women’s Hockey League on Thursday handed down a suspension to Buffalo Beauts forward, Kelley Steadman for an illegal hit placed on New York Riveters defenseman, Kiira Dosdall.

The hit occurred in the Beauts home matchup against the Riveters this past Sunday, which resulted in an injury to Dosdall. The NWHL Department of Player Safety held their first hearing of the season on Wednesday night as they attempted to determine if the further discipline was necessary.

Prior to the hit, Dosdall attempted a pass off the boards and was in a vulnerable position when Steadman, playing without a stick, tried to stop Dosdall in front of the Beauts’ bench. Steadman checked Dosdall with her shoulder, but followed through by extending her arms into the unsuspecting player, resulting in Dosdall been tossed into the boards.

The NWHL rulebook, states that boarding is the act of a player that checks, elbows, charges or trips an opponent in a way that causes them to be thrown violently into the boards. A two-minute minor penalty will be assessed. If it is determined a player recklessly endangers an opponent in doing so, a major penalty and game misconduct or match penalty shall be assessed.

A minor penalty was assessed on the play, but the Department of Player Safety determined that further punishment was necessary. As this was the first hearing in Steadman’s career, a one game suspension was assessed.

As a result of the suspension, the Beauts will be without the services of their forward as they prepare to take on the Boston Pride in their last home game before the holidays. It will be their Teddy Bear Toss, as fans will be encouraged to throw teddy bears and stuffed animals on the ice after the team’s first goal.

[NWHL Player Safety: Kelley Steadman]