The disciplinary division of the Continental Hockey League (KHL) issued fines to Kirill Spitsenko and Evgeny Grachev of Khabarovsk Amur, and to Semyon Chistyakov of Omsk Avangard, following a confrontation that occurred prior to the head-to-head clash between their teams. The decision was reported by the league’s official platform and reflected the league’s commitment to maintaining order on and off the ice.
Additional sanctions were levied against Artem Chmykhov and Mark Verba of Omsk, along with Sergei Kolesnikov of Amur, who were each fined and suspended for one game as a consequence of the incident. These penalties underscore the league’s emphasis on discipline and fair play during competitive moments.
The meeting of the disciplinary panel occurred on January 13, and the on-ice result favored the Omsk club, which secured a 3-1 victory. The outcome influenced the standings, contributing to Avangard’s position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Avangard currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 71 points from 50 games played, while Magnitogorsk Metallurg leads the conference with one additional point. Amur occupies the 10th spot with 50 points, illustrating a tightly packed top half of the table and the importance of every point in the race for playoff positioning.
Looking ahead, Avangard is scheduled to meet CSKA Moscow in Omsk, with the puck dropping on January 17 at 16:30 Moscow time. The teams are expected to bring a high-intensity matchup after a recent calendar of competitive results.
Meanwhile, Amur is set to face SKA St. Petersburg on January 17 at 19:30 Moscow time, continuing its road schedule with a test against one of the league’s traditional powerhouses. The league calendar continues to shape the competitive landscape as teams navigate late-season pressure.
A former KHL referee publicly addressed the incident, expressing regret about the exchange and stating that a warning or reprimand was appropriate. He also noted that the Avangard coach was confronted with remarks voiced during the confrontation, and the broader coaching staff acknowledged the need to maintain composure during heated moments on the bench and in the corridor.