The association’s disciplinary committee sentenced HIFK to a fine of 1,000 euros and six series points for the beginning of the season.
IFK Helsinki’s star striker Michaela Pejzlova played the entire last season without representation in the Women’s League. He was the first to tell about it hockey website Overtime. There was no right of representation because the Czech striker had not been transferred to a club in accordance with the rules for the last season.
– We noticed it when we renewed his game pass for this season. Last season, the system had not been beaten. The matter was noticed only in August, HIFK’s communications manager Eetu Hyvärinen tells Urheilu.
The club informed the Ice Hockey Federation about the matter. On Thursday, the association’s disciplinary committee sentenced HIFK to a fine of 1,000 euros and six series points for the 2023–24 season.
– We bear the consequences of this, take care of our obligations and move forward, Hyvärinen says.
Last season, HIFK won the first championship in its club history, and Pejzlová scored a whopping 32+50=82 in 31 regular season matches.
How did the peculiar situation arise?
Pejzlová arrived in Finland three years ago to study neuroscience at the University of Helsinki. At the time, the club thought it was an unrestricted transfer. However, his player pass was only valid for two years and thus expired in 2022.
– It was not a case of forgetting. He was already one of the team’s core players, so he was announced in the same way as everyone else. He had two IDs from the ice hockey association, but neither was correct, Hyvärinen explains.
HIFK is not going to appeal the union’s decision.
– We consider that this has been resolved. If the union sees that it is like that, then let’s go with it. All that’s left is the puck, says Hyvärinen.
Pejzlová will start her fourth season in the Helsinki team in just over a week. He was transferred for the upcoming season last month.
– This is a top player. It’s great that a player like her is targeting the fast-rising Women’s League now and in the future.