MANNHEIM – The Disciplinary Panel at the IIHF World Championship has assessed Team Norway forward Martin Laumann Ylven a two-game suspension following a hit to the head during the game against France on Thursday, May 13.

In the same game, Team Norway goaltender Pal Grotnes was assessed a Match Penalty following an altercation late in the game. The Disciplinary Panel upheld the automatic one-game suspension which follows a Match Penalty.

Grotnes will thus miss Friday’s game vs. Canada. Martin Laumann Ylven will miss Norway’s game vs. Canada as well as Sunday’s game vs. Latvia.

The infraction involving Martin Laumann Ylven occurred in the defensive zone of Team France at 10:24 of the first period. Coming from the top of the faceoff circle, Martin Laumann Ylven checked Antonin Manavian of Team France to the head. Manavian was injured (concussion) and did not return to the game.

Laumann Ylven was assessed a Game Misconduct according to rule 540a (which does not carry an automatic suspension). However, the Disciplinary Panel was of the opinion that, due to the seriousness of the infraction and the injury suffered by the French player, Laumann Ylven will be suspended for the next two games.

The infraction involving Pal Grotnes occurred in the goal crease at 19:19 of the third period. Yorick Treille of Team France poked his stick between the pads of Grotnes in an attempt to free the puck from the goalie, and he continued his action after the whistle. Treille was eventually pushed on top of the Norwegian goalkeeper who repsponded by shoving the French player and hitting him with a forceful blow to the head using his blocker. He hit the player repeatedly although without extreme forceful.

Pal Grotnes was assessed a Match Penalty for his actions according to rule 540a, which carries an automatic one-game suspension.