Breaking: Team Canada defenseman suspended at World Junior Championship.

Team Canada will be without one of their defenseman for a very important New Year's Eve game against the Russians.

According to an official announcement from the International Ice Hockey Federation's official website. team Canada defenseman Jared McIsaac will be suspended 1 game for what they have determined was an illegal check to the head and neck. Although no penalty was initially called on the play, this in spite of the fact that there was an official practically on top of both players, the IIHF felt the infraction rose to the level of a 1 game suspension.

Here is their official ruling on the matter:

The suspension stems from a violation of Official Playing Rule 124 (Checking to the Head and Neck Area). The incident occurred occurred at 48:08 in the 3rd period of Canada’s preliminary round game against the Czech Republic on 29th December. Czech forward Jachym Kondelik received a pass from his defensive zone but couldn’t control it and the puck glided towards the boards close to the red line. After Kondelik got the puck back on his stick, he skated along the boards attempting to enter the Canadian defensive zone. Shortly before the blue line, Kondelik saw McIsaac arriving, and chipped the puck via the board into the Canadian zone. 

At the same time McIsaac, seeing that Kondelik did not have full control of the puck, changed his skating direction to move towards the boards to stand up at his blue line and prevent Kondelik from coming into the Canadian zone. Skating in a slightly lower position… moving backwards towards Kondelik and keeping eye contact him…McIsaac prepared to deliver his body check. McIsaac delivered his body check extending his body in an upward motion at Kondelik, resulting in contact being made with his left shoulder at Kondelik’s head and neck area.

Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that, because McIsaac drove and extended his body upward toward Kondelik’s head, his actions were extremely dangerous, created a serious risk of injury to Kondelik and violated IIHF Official Rule 124 (Checking to the Head and Neck Area). A correct check without elevation could easily been executed towards this taller player.

I must admit it is very hard to argue with the logic presented by the IIHF here, especially when you view the hit with the benefit of slow motion replay. There appears to be a clear attempt on the part of McIsaac to launch himself upwards towards the head of Kondelik and there's also very little doubt that he does in fact make contact with the head. 

Here's a brief look at the play.

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