Swiss hockey player cleared after opponent paralyzed

Associated Press | AP

BERN, Switzerland (AP) — The Swiss Hockey League has cleared a player of blame after his challenge 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.