Red Wings forward Joe Veleno was handed a five-game suspension by the IIHF championship disciplinary panel for stomping on the leg of Switzerland’s Nino Niederreiter.
During the second period of Canada’s 3-2 loss on Saturday at the world hockey championship in Riga, Latvia, Veleno appeared to aggressively step on Niederreiter’s foot during a puck battle behind the Canadian net.
Niederreiter went after Veleno shortly after in front of the net and was assessed a roughing penalty (Veleno was not penalized).
“We have been informed that the IIHF Disciplinary Committee has imposed a five-game suspension to Joe Veleno for an on-ice incident that occurred during Canada’s game against Switzerland on May 20,” Doug Armstrong, Team Canada general manager, said in a statement.
“Canada’s National Men’s Team acknowledges the role of the committee and appreciate the diligence that went into the decision-making process, and we accept and support the IIHF’s decision.”
Veleno was playing first-line minutes for Canada in the tournament. In five games, Veleno had two goals and three assists (five points).
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“I have been notified of the five-game suspension imposed by the IIHF for my actions in our game against Switzerland,” Veleno said in a statement.
“I accept the sanction from the IIHF and apologize for my actions.”
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan