Canadian forward Veleno was suspended for 5 games in the men’s hockey world

Canadian forward Joe Veleno was suspended for five games on Sunday for stomping an opponent’s leg at the World Cup of Hockey.

The International Hockey Federation’s disciplinary panel ruled he violated Rule No. 49 (kicking) in Canada’s 3-2 loss to Switzerland on Saturday.

“Canada’s men’s national team recognizes the role of the committee and appreciates the diligence that went into the decision-making process, and we accept and support the IIHF’s decision,” Canadian CEO Doug Armstrong said in a statement.

Veleno used his right foot to stomp on Swiss captain Nino Niederreiter’s shin as they battled for the puck on the boards.

WATCH l Canada’s Veleno brings a skate to Niederreiter’s leg:

Joe Veleno stomps Nino Niederreiter on his skates in Canada’s loss to the Swiss

Veleno dropped his skates on Niederreiter’s lower leg while rushing the boards. Although there was no penalty, a suspension may be coming due to questionable play.

The six-foot-one, 205-pound forward was not penalized in the game. Niederreiter did not appear to be injured.

Canada has group games Monday against Norway and Tuesday against the Czech Republic. The playoff phase begins on Thursday.

Veleno’s suspension would include the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, if Canada makes it that far in the tournament.

USA destroys France

The United States shut out France 9-0 to maintain its perfect record at the World Cup of Hockey on Sunday.

Cutter Gauthier led the way with a hat trick, Drew O’Connor had two goals and Scott Perunovich, TJ Tynan, Rocco Grimaldi and Conor Garland each added one at Nokia Arena as the Americans dominated Group A with six wins from six games.

Goalie Cal Petersen saved 13 shots.

Nico Sturm scored twice and Germany beat Hungary 7-2 to keep alive their hopes of advancing from Group A to the quarter-finals. In Riga, the capital of Latvia, Switzerland defeated the Czech Republic 4-2 and leads Group B with six wins from six games. .

Andres Ambuhl scored twice for Switzerland, Tanner Richard and Romain Loeffel scored one each, while Roman Cervenka and Dominik Kubalik scored for the Czechs.

Slovakia beat Slovenia 1-0 in Group B to stay in contention for a playoff spot. Slovenia lost six matches in a row and is relegated from the top division.