Finnish forward Saku Maenalanen will be suspended for today’s game.
photo: Andre Ringuette / HHOF-IIHF Images
The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one-game suspension to Finland forward Saku Maenalanen, for a violation of IIHF Playing Rule #41 – Boarding.
The violation occurred at 19:43 of the second period of Finland’s preliminary round game against the United States.
While skating through the neutral zone at high speed in parallel to USA defenceman Jaycob Megna, Maenalanen turned suddenly to the right in an attempt to gain control of the puck from Megna, who was positioned approximately one meter away from the boards.
Maenalanen then delivered a forceful bodycheck to the back shoulder area of Megna. Megna was in a vulnerable position at the time, and the check projected him head-first into the boards, causing him to fall to the ice.
Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that because Maenalanen was fully aware of Megna’s close proximity to the boards – and that there would be a high degree of force when bodychecking Megna as a result of the high speed at which he was traveling – Maenalanen’s actions recklessly endangered the safety of Megna, thereby violating IIHF Official Rule 41 – Boarding. The Disciplinary Panel firmly believes that the Player’s action of bodychecking Megna could have been initiated differently and with much less force.
The Disciplinary Panel determined that because the Player violated Official Playing Rule 41 when checking Megna, he will be sanctioned with a one-game suspension. Maenalanen will miss Finland’s next preliminary round game on 18 May against Sweden.
The violation occurred at 19:43 of the second period of Finland’s preliminary round game against the United States.
While skating through the neutral zone at high speed in parallel to USA defenceman Jaycob Megna, Maenalanen turned suddenly to the right in an attempt to gain control of the puck from Megna, who was positioned approximately one meter away from the boards.
Maenalanen then delivered a forceful bodycheck to the back shoulder area of Megna. Megna was in a vulnerable position at the time, and the check projected him head-first into the boards, causing him to fall to the ice.
Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that because Maenalanen was fully aware of Megna’s close proximity to the boards – and that there would be a high degree of force when bodychecking Megna as a result of the high speed at which he was traveling – Maenalanen’s actions recklessly endangered the safety of Megna, thereby violating IIHF Official Rule 41 – Boarding. The Disciplinary Panel firmly believes that the Player’s action of bodychecking Megna could have been initiated differently and with much less force.
The Disciplinary Panel determined that because the Player violated Official Playing Rule 41 when checking Megna, he will be sanctioned with a one-game suspension. Maenalanen will miss Finland’s next preliminary round game on 18 May against Sweden.