BRATISLAVA - On Saturday, in the Czech Republic-Latvia game, Latvian defenceman Arturs Kulda delivered a tough check on Czech defenceman Radek Martinek in the first period. Martinek fell to the ice and stayed there motionless until the medical staff carried him off on a stretcher.
 
The IIHF Disciplinary Panel reviewed the situation and decided to hand Kulda a three-game suspension on Sunday.
 
“The video showed Arturs Kulda jumping into the situation, hitting Martinek’s head and neck area,” said Jan-Ake Edvinsson, Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel.
 
Martinek was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe concussion.
 
“The player has suffered a severe concussion and a severe bruise (hematoma),” said said Dr. Beat Villiger, the IIHF Medical Supervisor. “The CT scan showed no further injuries, but there is very little chance that he can play in the championship.”