Alexander Ovechkin received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for a hit to the head of a Swiss player who was later diagnosed with a light concussion.
Photo: Dmitry Lebedev
| Other Photos |
 |
|
 |
Ovechkin May Get Suspended from Hockey Worlds
The Ice Hockey Federation is to consider late Sunday a suspension for Russian forward Alexander Overchkin. The decision is expected in early hours on Monday, Moscow time.
Russia defeated Switzerland 6-3 on Sunday but the main topic after the game was a hit by Alexander Ovechkin. The Russian received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for a hit to the head of Valentin Wirz, who was later diagnosed with a light concussion. Washington Capitals left wing could now get a lengthy suspension with the disciplinary committee of the Ice Hockey Federation. Ice Hockey officials are to convene in Moscow later to Sunday to decide on the Russian’s fate.
Russian coach Vyacheslav Bykov insisted that Ovechkin did not make the hit intentionally. “I’ve talked to Ovechkin and he said the hit wasn’t intentional,” Bykov told reporters. “But I think it was the right call by the referee and I just hope he wouldn’t get suspended.”
Russian defender Andrey Markov expressed support for his teammate. “I hope [Ovechkin] won’t get suspended. We need him.” Commenting on the controversial penalty for misconduct, Markov said that Ovechkin “didn’t do anything out of ordinary – he just left the penalty bench, and one of the Swiss players bumped into him.”
Swiss coach Ralph Krueger in his after-match comment made clear that he is more concerned about his team’s performance rather than Ovechkin’s fate.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
