2026

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Karen Zehner | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 7:00 PM ET

Three players are facing suspensions following a penalty-filled opening night of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, with the ECHL Department of Player Safety issuing discipline stemming from two separate series on April 24th. Match penalties in the South Division Semifinals between the Atlanta Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays, and a kneeing infraction just seconds into the Mountain Division series between the Kansas City Mavericks and Tahoe Knight Monsters, resulted in rulings that will likely reshape both teams’ lineups heading into Game Two. All suspensions and fines were issued under Rule #28 – Supplementary Discipline.

South Division: Hofer and Davies Both Suspended One Game

Game One between the Atlanta Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays delivered playoff intensity from the opening minutes, and that edge quickly carried over into supplemental discipline being handed out by the league.

South Carolina will be without forward Ryan Hofer for Game Two after he received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. Officials assessed Hofer a match penalty for an illegal check to the head at 7:58 of the first period.

Atlanta will also be without forward Josh Davies, who received the same one-game suspension and a fine. Davies drew a match penalty for an illegal check to the head at 9:04 of the first period, just over a minute after Hofer’s infraction.

Both teams now face lineup adjustments as Hofer and Davies will miss Game Two when the series continues on April 25th.

Mountain Division: Loheit Suspended Two Games Kneeing Penalty

The Kansas City Mavericks will be without forward Luke Loheit after the league issued a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. Officials assessed Loheit a kneeing major and game misconduct just 16 seconds into Game One against the Tahoe Knight Monsters.

That early penalty set a physical tone in a game that ultimately tilted heavily in Kansas City’s favor. Despite the early loss of Loheit, the Mavericks responded with control and offensive production, defeating Tahoe 4–1 at Cable Dahmer Arena.

Loheit received the longest suspension among the three players and will miss Kansas City’s playoff games on April 25th and April 29th.

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

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