The International Ice Hockey Federation has wasted no time handing out justice to Team Canada's Joe Veleno after a stomping incident in the World Championship this weekend. In the second period of a 3-2 loss to Switzerland, Veleno brought his skate down with force on Nino Niederreiter.
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The Ruling
Veleno, a member of the Detroit Red Wings, has been suspended for five games at the international level for "kicking." That means he won't be playing for Team Canada again at this tournament.
"Veleno will miss Canada's upcoming 5 games, specifically, Game #48 (CAN v. NOR) of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on Tuesday 23 May 2023; the Canadian National Team's quarter-final game of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on Thursday 25 May 2023, and either the Canadian National Team's semi-final game and final game of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on Saturday 27 May 2023 and Sunday 28 May 2023, respectively if they qualify for these games."
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Niederreiter's Reaction
Niederreiter, who plays for the Winnipeg Jets, was not happy with Veleno, and it's hard to blame him.
"It does not belong to our sport. You can't do it. It's too dangerous, blades are extremely sharp. He try to go in the battle to hurt me and almost going to brake my ankle.
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POLL
IIHF Comes Down Hard on Joe Veleno after Stomping on Nino Niederreiter
Do you agree with the five game suspension?
Yes, it's appropriate
107
36 %
Should have been longer
130
43.8 %
Should have been shorter
35
11.8 %
Shouldn't have been suspended
25
8.4 %
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