Svedberg suspended
by Adam Steiss|24 MAY 2021
photo: Andre Ringuette / HHOF-IIHF Images
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The Independent IIHF Disciplinary panel has issued a one-game suspension to Team Kazakhstan defenceman Viktor Svedberg for a violation of IIHF Rule 127 – Cross-Checking. 

The violation occurred at 57:19 in the 3rd period of Kazakhstan’s game against Finland. Svedberg skates from the corner of his defensive zone to the net beside Finland forward Jere Innala. Once at the net, Svedberg attempts to move to the right side of Innala, to position himself between Innala and the puck. 

After Finnish defenceman Olli Maata shoots the puck towards the Kazakhstan goal, the puck rebounds off the goalie’s leg pads, with Svedberg and Innala initiating a battle for the puck in front of the net. Innala turns his back to Svedberg and brings himself into a good scoring position. With both hands on his stick Svedberg initiates a cross-check into Innala’s head / neck area, resulting in both players falling to the ice. 

Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that while Svedberg is battling for his position he does this with a dangerous and violent cross-check with his stick shaft from behind in the neck area to Innala. The Panel determined that Svedberg’s actions were extremely dangerous, created a serious risk of injury to Innala and violated IIHF Official Rule 127 – Cross-checking, and that he will serve a one-game suspension. 

Svedberg will miss Kazakhstan’s next game on 25 May against Team USA. He will be eligible to return to play in Kazakhstan’s game on 26 May against Germany.