The IIHF has announced one-game suspensions for a pair of headbutting incidents during the World Juniors: Canada’s Joe Veleno against Russia on Saturday, and then more recently, Russia’s Nikita Rtishev against the United States on Sunday.
Veleno’s suspension, which was announced first, was met with some criticism from fans that felt the incident didn’t garner a punishment. At least the IIHF proved they were consistent with a suspension for Rtishev as well.
Here are the incidents in question. Veleno headbutts Daniil Misyul, while Rtishev does the same with the USA’s Oliver Wahlstrom.
Veleno has already served his suspension in Canada’s Monday win over Germany, while Rtishev will sit out Russia’s Tuesday game against Germany.
Before Canada took to the ice absent Veleno in their lineup, Hockey Canada released a statement disagreeing with the IIHF’s decision.
