Canadian ice hockey player Joe Veleno has been suspended for five games after being stamped on the back of the leg of Swiss player Nino Niederreiter during an IIHF World Championship matchup on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings forward was not penalized on the play, but further investigation yielded the penalty, eliminating Canada’s top scorer for the remainder of the tournament.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Canadian forward Milan Lucic, Swiss defender Andrea Glauser and Canadian forward Joe Veleno compete during the preliminary round of the IIHF Ice Hockey Men’s World Championship – Group B match between Canada and Switzerland in Riga, Latvia, on February 20. May 2023. (GINTS IVUSKANS/AFP via Getty Images)
«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 IIHF sanctions and apologize for my actions.»
The general manager of the Canadian men’s national team, Doug Armstrong, also issued a statement.
MATTHEW TKACHUK ANNOUNCES ANOTHER OVERTIME WINNER, PUTTING PANTHERS 2-0 IN ECF OVER HURRICANES
«We have been informed that the IIHF Disciplinary Committee has imposed a five-game suspension on Joe Veleno for an on-ice incident that occurred during Canada’s game against Switzerland on May 20,» Armstrong said. «The Canada Men’s National Team recognizes the role of the committee and appreciates the diligence that was taken in the decision-making process, and we accept and support the IIHF’s decision.»
Joe Veleno of Canada entering the rink for his turn during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Finland – Latvia between Canada and Kazakhstan at Arena Riga on May 17, 2023 in Riga, Latvia. (Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Veleno was in a backboard battle for the puck with Niederreiter in the second period of the game when he appeared to deliberately step on the player’s ankle to try to remove the puck.
Detroit selected Veleno with the No. 30 overall pick in 2018. He made his debut during the 2020-2021 season. He played 81 games in 2022-2023 and scored nine goals and 11 points.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Detroit Red Wings forward Joe Veleno and goaltender Ville Husso celebrate a win over the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 13, 2023 in Vancouver, Canada. (Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports)
Switzerland won the match, 3-2.