World Juniors: Canada's Justin Sourdif suspended for illegal check to head
The IIHF announced on Tuesday that Team Canada forward Justin Sourdif has received a one-game suspension at the World Juniors for an illegal check to the head or neck.
Justin Sourdif came out of NOWHERE #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/YlXkLZb7n3
— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) December 27, 2021
In the third period of the Canada's tournament-opening matchup against Czechia, Sourdif laid a high and late hit on defender Jiri Tichacek. Sourdif was assessed a two-minute penalty for interference at the time. The forward did not record any points in Canada's 6-3 victory over Czechia.
Sourdif's ban means he will miss Tuesday's game against Austria but will be eligible to return for Wednesday's contest against Germany.
Sourdif was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He plays junior hockey for the WHL's Vancouver Giants, where he is the captain of the squad. Through 21 games this season, the 19-year-old has potted eight goals and 29 points. This is the first time he's represented Canada at the World Juniors.
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