Swiss player cleared after opponent left paralyzed

Ronny Keller has been left paralyzed by his injuries sustained during a playoff game on Tuesday. The Olten defender hit the boards head first in overtime of a second-tier playoff match against Langenthal. Keller was treated on the ice and airlifted by helicopter to the specialist hospital at Nottwil, where he underwent surgery.

BERN, Switzerland — The Swiss Hockey League has cleared a player of blame after his hit in a playoff game this month left an opponent paralyzed.

The league says its disciplinary judge ruled that the March 5 incident which left Olten defender Ronny Keller paraplegic was an unfortunate accident.

Keller hit the boards head first following a collision with Stefan Schnyder of Langenthal, suffering damage to his thoracic vertebrae.

The league says although Schnyder raised his arm, he didn’t check Keller with his body or elbow and it therefore couldn’t be established if he was to blame for the incident. A disciplinary process has been stopped.

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