Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The first suspension of the men’s Ice Hockey Olympics tournament has been brought down.
Italian winger Cristiano DiGiacinto has been suspended one game by the IIHF for a hit to the head of Slovakia defenseman Martin Fehervary.
DiGiacinto, who plays club hockey for HC Bolzano in the Alps Hockey League, was initially given a two minute minor penalty against Slovakia Friday.
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, 170th overall, DiGiacinto never played in the NHL, splitting time as a pro between the AHL & ECHL before moving to Europe.
Playing for Bolzano, Cristiano DiGiacinto became eligible for the Italian national team despite being born in Canada having played three seasons in Italy and his parental heritage.
The Italians, who could have brought import players with heritage of the country, decided instead to focus on homegrown and naturalized players, a minimum of two years playing in Italy or a valid passport.
Suspensions in the Olympics for hockey remain rare, only reserved for major incidents such as a hit to the head, as being the case. Fighting is also a suspendable play according to Olympic rules.
DiGiacinto missed Italy’s romp at home against Finland, the Finns doing a number on the host Italians with a dominating 11-0 blowout victory.
Fehervary, a member of the Washington Capitals, was not seriously injured. He is able to resume with Slovakia in the tournament.
The 26-year-old Fehervary is a mainstay for the Slovakians on the blueline, having appeared in four Worlds Championship for his country.
Italy finished their tournament as hosts without a win, falling to 0-3 with a -15 goal differential in the competition.
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The first suspension of the Olympics has been handed out
Should Cristiano DiGiacinto have been suspended for the incident?