(SB Nation) – Team Canada defenseman Marc Methot has been suspended for one game by the IIHF Disciplinary Panel for his dangerous boarding of Yevgeni Kovyrshin of Belarus on Tuesday. The hit occurred with just seven seconds remaining in regulation of Canada’s last preliminary-round game at the World Championship.
Methot violently shoved Kovryshin’s head into the boards as several players fought for the puck in the corner of Canada’s end of the ice. The incident earned five-minute major plus penalty and an automatic game misconduct. Following video review of what took place and statements from involved parties, Methot will sit out Canada’s quarterfinal matchup with Slovakia on Thursday.
Methot will be eligible return for a semifinal should Canada win to advance. As with the NHL, the IIHF has taken a beefed-up stance toward play that could endanger players. Methot played in just 46 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past season due to injury struggles.