Canada’s Nolan Foote given game misconduct for illegal hit to head

Canada's Nolan Foote celebrates after scoring Canada's the second goal of the game against the Czech Republic during first period action at the World Junior Hockey Championships. (Ryan Remiorz/CP)

Team Canada forward Nolan Foote was given a game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Slovakia’s Kristian Kovacik in the first period of a quarterfinal matchup at the world junior championship.

The hit occurred 53 seconds into the game after Foote attempted to make a hit on Kovacik. Foote was assessed a major penalty along with the game misconduct.

Dylan Cozens was moved up to take Foote’s spot on Canada’s top line with Barrett Hayton and Alexis Lafreniere.

Foote has three goals and one assist in five games for Canada at the world juniors. The 19-year-old was selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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