IIHF gets involved as tempers flared and blood spilled in USA elimination game

In an unexpected outcome on Thursday, Finland eliminated the United States, winning the quarterfinal game 1-0 and sending the Americans home. 

While the score could portray that the game was uneventful, it is all the opposite: a lot happened in the contest and now the International Ice Hockey Federation is getting involved. 

It all started when Boston Bruins prospect John Beecher drilled Eemil Erholtz face-first into the top of the bench boards. While the officials on the ice did not call the penalty, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports on Friday morning that they are reviewing the play for further discipline. 

If Beecher gets a hefty suspension from the IIHF, it could affect USA Hockey’s decision on whether he comes back next year for the tournament. 

The IIHF is expected to be busy with a second incident. Many fans and pundits believe it could what took place in the dying seconds of the game though things got out control when American forward Oliver Wahlstrom hammered Finnish forward Ville Petman with an elbow to the head.

This could the move under review, especially since Petman was left bleeding on the bench as his team move on to the semifinals. Mckenzie added that there no disciplinary review involving Finland despite some questionable hits on their part. 

It might be a day off from competition today, but you can already tell it will be a busy day for the IIHF.