Veleno was caught on camera stomping on the ankle of Swiss forward Nino Niederreiter during the second period of a preliminary match between the two countries.
The IIHF released a statement today announcing a five-game suspension for Veleno for violating official playing rule 49(kicking) his opponent (Niederreiter) at 28:21 in the second period of game 40.
Actions such as these require serious consequences and to be honest five games is a start but may not be severe enough. The actions of Veleno were not a hockey play and quite frankly disgusting and disturbing. Hockey is a physical sport and some may also suggest violent, but this scenario crosses a line.
However the IIHF came to their decision, you have to respect that it's a firm and fair one that Veleno understands and respect and hopefully he doesn't act in this manner again if given the opportunity to pull on the red and white of Canada again during his career.
POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 172 ANSWERS Suspension handed to Canada's Veleno for actions vs Switzerland Did the IIHF get it right by suspending Canada's Joe Veleno five games? | ||
Yes. the consequences fit the actions | 77 | 44.8 % |
No. It was too lenient | 95 | 55.2 % |
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