The IIHF has issued a one-game suspension to Czechia defenceman Michal Hradek for cross-checking Canada’s Kent Johnson in the neck.
As a result of the suspension, Hradek misses his team’s next game against Germany on Monday.
The incident occurred during the second period between the Czechs and Canadians in their opening game at the world juniors on Boxing Day.
While skating towards the Czech net, Hradek came up against Johnson and pushed him in the chest. After the initial shove, Hradek raised his stick with both hands and pushed the shaft of his stick into Johnson’s neck.