The International Ice Hockey Federation Disiplinary Panel announced on Tuesday morning that they've have suspended Team Canada forward Justin Sourdif one game for a check to the head on Czechia defenceman Jiri Tichacek.
Justin Sourdif came out of NOWHERE #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/YlXkLZb7n3— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) December 27, 2021
"The Disciplinary Panel determined that because Sourdif directed his left shoulder into the head of Tichacek when Tichacek was unable to anticipate impending contact, and because Sourdif's actions resulted in a forceful contact with Tichacek's head or neck area, Sourdif recklessly endangered Tichacek, and violated IIHF Official Playing Rule #48 - Illegal Check to the Head or Neck. The Disciplinary panel is of the opinion that the check was delivered late, meaning Sourdif initiated contact well after Tichacek released the puck from his possession and therefore had sufficient time to alter his trajectory beforehand," The IIHF said in a statement.
Sourdif, 19, only received a two-minute minor on the play for interference. He will miss Tuesday night's tilt against Austria and will be eligible to return on Wednesday night when they take on Germany.
The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one-game suspension to @HockeyCanada forward Justin Sourdif, for a violation of IIHF Playing Rule 48 - Illegal Check to the Head or Neck.
Read more: https://t.co/vvFOnBSZZy pic.twitter.com/W6RgxDTWXS— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 28, 2021
Canada will dress twelve forwards and eight defencemen for tonight's game against the Austrians. Along with Sourdif, it appears that Xavier Bourgault will miss tonight's game with an undisclosed injury. Forward Logan Stankoven and defeceman Ryan O'Rourke are expected to make their World Junior debuts on Tuesday. Brett Brochu will get the start in goal.
Puck drop for Canada vs Austria is set for 7pm ET/5pm MT on TSN.









