STOCKHOLM – The Disciplinary Panel has assessed a one-game suspension against Latvian defenceman Oskars Bartulis, while no further disciplinary actions were imposed in another case against his teammate Oskars Cibulskis.

The case involving Latvian defenceman Oskars Bartulis involved two incidents in the game on 10th May against the Czech Republic.

The first incident happened with 3:02 left in the first period. Czech player Tomas Mojzis was attempting to play the puck along the boards when he received a two-handed cross-check from behind by Bartulis, causing Mojzis to be thrown violently into the boards.

The Disciplinary Panel is of the opinion that the application of rule 523 (checking from behind) and 525 (cross-checking) were applicable. Although there was no penalty assessed, the panel believes the appropriate call warranted a major penalty plus a game misconduct.

The second incident occurred with 25 seconds left in the first period. Bartulis cross-checked Czech forward Milan Michalek from the side to the back area while Michalek was in a vulnerable position, causing him to be thrown dangerously head-first into the boards. A two-minute penalty for cross-checking was called. The panel came to the conclusion that the application of rule 525 (cross-checking) was correct.

Even though there was no injury incurred in either incident, Bartulis’ actions are deemed to be of a very dangerous and serious nature. In violation of the abovementioned rules he shall be suspended for the next game of the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.

This means that the player cannot play in game number 38, Norway vs. Latvia, on Saturday 12th May.

No further action against Oskars Cibulskis

The other infraction involving another Latvian player, Oskars Cibulskis, occurred with 3:41 left in the game. After Cibulskis had been body-checked by Czech defenceman Tomas Mojzis, he swung his stick, turning his blade over and striking his opponent in the upper inside leg area. He received a two-minute penalty for slashing. The Disciplinary Panel came to the unanimous decision that no further disciplinary action will be required.

The two-man Disciplinary Panel at the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship consists of Jeff Sauer (based in Helsinki) and Dan Marouelli (Stockholm).