After being dismantled 6-0 by Russia on Saturday, Canada lost even more following its biggest defeat in World Juniors history and on Monday, according to TSN's Mark Masters Hockey Canada released a statement:
"In reviewing the play in question, we believe it is not worthy of a suspension. We are disappointed in the IIHF panel's decision & we look forward to Joe’s return to competition."
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced Sunday that forward Joe Veleno was handed a one-game suspension for a headbutt during the lopsided loss. Veleno appeared to strike Russia's Danil Mysul with his helmet while the players were exchanging words after the whistle had blown midway through the second period on Saturday.
Veleno was not penalized on the play, but the IIHF Disciplinary Panel found that the 19-year-old was in violation of IIHF Rule 142 (Head-Butting).
"In the battle for the rebound, Russian defenceman Danil Misyul grabbed Veleno from behind and pulled the player down," the IIHF statement read. "This caused Veleno to fall on his back. After a couple of seconds, Veleno got up and approached Misyul. The player then initiated short contact with his helmet by bumping into the visor of Misyul. After this contact, both players skated slightly backwards and away from each other. Both players then approached each other again, upon which Veleno made contact with Misyul’s helmet for a second time, by moving his head forward and towards Misyul’s visor in a more aggressive manner, causing Misyul’s helmet to be lifted up. "
Joe Veleno 🇨🇦 e Danil Mysul 🇷🇺 aproveitam a pausa para contar piadas um ao outro, parece que alguém não entendeu muito bem.#WJC2020 pic.twitter.com/933yypGHvl
— Hockey Kontinental (@LigaKontinental) December 29, 2019
Canada already lost star forward Alexis Lafreniere to a leg injury during Saturday's loss, and the team faced Germany in a crucial contest on Monday without Veleno's services. Veleno registered an assist in Canada's 6-4 win over the U.S. to open the tournament, and he spent parts of the loss to Russia skating on the top line.