Winter Olympics 2014: Sabahudin Kovacevic suspended for game vs. Team USA
The IIHF handed out a one-game suspension to Slovenia’s Sabahudin Kovacevic after he elbowed Slovakia’s Tomas Kopecky on Saturday. Kovacevic will sit out Sunday’s game against the United States.
Bruce Bennett
Slovenia will be without forward Sabahudin Kovacevic on Sunday when they take on the United States, as he has been suspended for a hit during their 3-1 win over Slovakia on Saturday.
Kovacevic elbowed Slovakia’s Tomas Kopecky in the neck/head area in the first period, a play that did not result in a penalty on the ice. Kopecky had to leave the game and did not return.
After review of the incident, the IIHF disciplinary panel determined that Kovacevic extended his elbow to make contact and decided that some sort of discipline was needed. The IIHF handed out the suspension just hours before Slovenia’s game on Sunday.
In two games for Slovenia, Kovacevic has logged over 42 minutes of ice-time and recorded four shots on goal. He has not recorded a point.
There was no immediate update available as to Kopecky's status. Kopecky's injury means that both members of the Florida Panthers representing their team at the Olympics have been injured. He joined Finland's Aleksander Barkov, who is now out for the remainder of the tournament after he was injured against Norway.
More on the Winter Olympics:
• Hockey: Men’s schedule | All 12 men’s rosters | USA roster analysis
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