The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one-game suspension to Team Canada forward Joe Veleno.



Veleno has been suspended due to a violation of IIHF Rule 142-Head Butting. He will miss Canada’s next game on 30 December against Germany.



The violation occurred at 09:28 in the 2nd period during Canada’s game against Russia on 28 December. After a shot from Canada from the face-off spot on the left side in the Russian defensive zone, three players of both teams battled for the rebound as the Russian goaltender freezed the puck.



In the battle for the rebound, Russian defenceman Danil Misyul grabbed Veleno from behind and pulled the player down. This caused Veleno to fall on his back. After a couple of seconds, Veleno got up and approached Misyul. The player then initiated short contact with his helmet by bumping into the visor of Misyul. After this contact, both players skated slightly backwards and away from each other. Both players then approached each other again, upon which Veleno made contact with Misyul’s helmet for a second time, by moving his head forward and towards Misyul’s visor in a more aggressive manner, causing Misyul’s helmet to be lifted up.



Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that Veleno repeatedly and intentionally made direct contact with Misyul’s helmet. The fact that Veleno’s actions did not directly endanger the physical integrity of Misyul does not prevent the application of Official Playing Rule 142 (Head-Butting). On both occasions, Veleno’s action of bringing his helmet forward and towards Misyul fulfills the criteria of a Head-Butt as set out under Official Playing Rule 142 (Head-Butting), and warrants a one-game suspension.



Veleno will be eligible to return for Canada’s final preliminary-round game against the Czech Republic on 31 December.