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![\"Feb](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/642282.webp.webp\" "\\"Feb")
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Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The first suspension of the men’s Ice Hockey Olympics tournament has been brought down.<\/p>\n
Italian winger Cristiano DiGiacinto has been suspended one game by the IIHF for a hit to the head of Slovakia defenseman Martin Fehervary.<\/p>\n
DiGiacinto, who plays club hockey for HC Bolzano in the Alps Hockey League, was initially given a two minute minor penalty against Slovakia Friday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Fehervary, a member of the Washington Capitals, was not seriously injured. He is able to resume with Slovakia in the tournament.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old Fehervary is a mainstay for the Slovakians on the blueline, having appeared in four Worlds Championship for his country.<\/p>\n
Italy finished their tournament as hosts without a win, falling to 0-3 with a -15 goal differential in the competition.<\/p>\n
Previously on Hockey Patrol<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
15 HOURS AGO|113 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
The first suspension of the Olympics has been handed out<\/p>\n
Should Cristiano DiGiacinto have been suspended for the incident?<\/p>\n
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