Slovaks handed a total of five games, while Canadian gets one extra game

Canadian forward Zack Kassian was assessed a further one game suspension by the IIHF for his hit to the head and neck area on Czech forward Petr Senkerik. The additional game was handed out by Dan Marouelli, the IIHF`s appointed Disciplinary Single Judge.

In making his assessment, Marouelli analyzed the play on DVD from every available angle. As well, he examined the medial reports, discussed the play with on-ice officials, and met with the referee supervisor.

Marouelli affirmed that the on-ice officials followed correct protocol by discussing the incident while Senkerik was being treated on ice by doctors. It was after this discussion that the referees decided to assess a five-minute major and match penalty.

The IIHF has very specific rules regarding dangerous hits. These are not limited just to the head but to the neck area as well, which is defined by that part of the body above the collarbone and shoulder pads (i.e., unprotected areas).

Peter Hrasko

Slovakia’s Peter Hrasko was assessed a further two games suspension by the IIHF for his hit to the head and neck area on American forward Jerrz D’Amigo. The additional game was handed out by Dan Marouelli, the IIHF`s appointed Disciplinary Single Judge.

In making his assessment, Marouelli analyzed the play on DVD. As well, he received a verbal report from the IIHF’s medical staff and discussed the play with the referee supervisor and the Chairman of the championship.

Hrasko deliberately targeted the head of the American player, using his elbow and upper arm to deliver the blow and causing D’Amigo to be thrown violently into the boards. As a result, D’Amigo struck his head against the glass, sustaining an injury.

The additional suspension was a direct result of Hrasko’s targeting the head of his opponent on the play.

Marek Marincin

Slovakia’s Marek Marincin was assessed a further three games suspension by the IIHF for his hit to the head and neck area on American forward Jason Zucker with 7:51 left in the third period of the United States-Slovakia game on December 28. The additional game was handed out by Dan Marouelli, the IIHF`s appointed Disciplinary Single Judge.

In making his assessment, Marouelli analyzed the play on DVD. As well, he received a verbal report from the IIHF’s medical staff and discussed the play with the referee supervisor and the Chairman of the championship.

Some of the criteria used to make this decision included the distance travelled by Marincin to deliver the hit. In Marouelli’s opinion, this was a premeditated act as the puck had long left the vicinity of the play. Marincin took advantage of a defenceless and unsuspecting opponent and deliberately targeted the head and neck area, resulting in an injury to Zucker.