2026

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Armand Klisivitch | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 5:05 PM ET

The ECHL Department of Player Safety has announced three suspensions and one fine after yesterday’s pre-game antics between the Fort Wayne Komets and Bloomington Bison. Additionally, both organizations have been fined an undisclosed amount. Despite the pre-game antics, the two teams only combined for 28 PIMs in yesterday’s game. 22 of those were against the Komets.

Mikael Robidoux Suspended Three Games

Bloomington Bison forward Mikael Robidoux has been suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount for his actions during yesterday’s pre-game antics. As the two teams met at the blueline, Robidoux would gently push away Alex Aleardi and Jalen Smerek, before trying tugging at the stick of Matt Murphy. Robidoux, 26, has a goal and four assists for five points along with 88 PIMs in 29 games this season. He had assists in back-to-back games prior to the suspension. The La Prairie, Quebec native was fined earlier in the year for pre-game antics in a game vs Indy Fuel. Robidoux is eligible to return on January 25th vs Indy Fuel.

Brandon Yeamans Suspended Two Games

Bloomington Bison forward Brandon Yeamans is suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount for his role in Saturday Night’s pre-game antics. He exchanged shoves with Smerek. Yeamans, 27, has three goals and three assists for six points in 34 games this season. The Maple, Ontario native is eligible to return on January 24th vs Indy Fuel.

Jalen Smereck Suspended One Game

Fort Wayne Komets defenseman Jalen Smereck is suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his role in Saturday’s pre-game antics. He would be in the middle of everything as he exchanged shoves with both Yeamans and Robidoux. Smereck, 29, has five goals and 23 assists for 28 points in 35 games this year. He will miss Friday’s game vs Indy Fuel.

Matt Murphy Fined

Fort Wayne Komets defenseman Matt Murphy is fined an undisclosed amount for his role in Saturday’s pre-game antics. He would exchange shoves with Fort Wayne’s Jalen Smerek. Murphy, 30, has two goals and seven assists for nine points in 26 games this season.

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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