Team Sweden defenceman Leo Loof suspended by IIHF (w/video)

The International Ice Hockey Federation Disciplinary Panel announced on Wednesday that Team Sweden defenceman Leo Loof has been suspended one game for a check to the head of Team Slovakia defenceman Simon Nemec. Loof received a match penalty and a game misconduct on the play.

In a statement, the IIHF said, "The Disciplinary Panel determined that – because Loof upon reaching Nemec to make contact close to the boards, directed his arms in an upward motion towards the head and/or neck area of Nemec, and due to the force at which the contact was made – that Loof recklessly endangered Nemec, and violated IIHF Official Playing Rule 48 (Illegal Check to the Head or Neck) and Rule 41 (Boarding). Loof showed no regard for the puck when delivering his check, and by separating his arms from his body when doing so, he gained even more power when he made the hit on Nemec."

They added, "Loof shall be sanctioned with a one-game suspension and will miss Sweden's next preliminary round game against USA on 29 December. He will be eligible to return on 31 December for the team's final preliminary round game against Switzerland."

There is still a chance that Sweden's game against the United States could get cancelled tonight if the US produce more positive tests. If that's the case, Loof would serve his suspension against Switzerland on Friday night and then return for the quarter-finals on January 2nd.

The IIHF Disciplinary Panel has issued a one-game suspension to @Trekronorse's Leo Loof.

More at https://t.co/hTSCsXBZzZ#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Ydzx89GFpA— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 29, 2021

MUST READ

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

3 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Quinn Hughes Ejected: Suspension May be Coming for the Reigning Norris Winner

4 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Matvei Michkov Stuns With Crazy Quote in Post-Game Interview Following OT Winner

5 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Jeremy Swayman on the Verge of Losing the Starting Role in Boston: His Contract Looks Like a Disaster

8 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

10 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

11 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

13 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

MORE STORIES