The Czech Republic will be without one of their forwards for their game against Sweden on Boxing Day. Adam Raska, a seventh round pick of the San Jose Sharks, has been suspended for one game for boarding an opponent during a pre-tournament match against Slovakia on the 23rd.
"Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that because Raska was aware of [Simon] Becar's vulnerable position with respect to the boards when he checked Becar, and because Raska's actions resulted in Becar being violently thrown into the boards, Raska's actions were reckless and dangerous, and created a serious risk of injury to Becar, thereby violating IIHF Official Rule 119-Boarding," said the IIHF in a release. "The Player is always responsible for the checks he makes."
Here is video of the hit:
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Raska, 19, will have to wait until Sunday's game against Russia to play again. The IIHF has strict rules against boarding. Raska received a five minute penalty and a game misconduct for his actions during the exhibition game against Slovakia.
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