IIHF suspends Canada’s Jenner, Russia’s Isangulov

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/01/2012 (5021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CALGARY — It didn’t take the International Ice Hockey Federation long to lower the Boone on Team Canada.

Forward Boone Jenner and Russian Ildar Isangulov were each handed a one-game suspension — the bronze- and gold-medal games, respectively — for their parts in a dust-up late in the second period of Russia’s 6-5 semifinal victory over Canada.

Isangulov elbowed Jenner, the Canadian spark plug, and was about to receive a minor penalty. As Jenner struggled to his skates, he was approached by Russian captain Yevgeni Kuznetsov, who offered the Canadian a few choice words. Boone speared Kuznetsov in the midsection and received a match penalty and game misconduct.

“I knew they were reviewing it,” Jenner said Wednesday morning. “I was obviously hoping for the best but it was in their (the IIHF) hands and there was nothing I could do at that point.

“If I could go back, I’d like to have that back, but those things happen,” he added. “It was just the heat of the battle, I guess.”

Team Canada head coach Don Hay said he was “disappointed” by the suspension.

“(Jenner) was kind of provoked into the situation,” Hay said. “I know he should have more discipline and stay away from that, but there was no need for the Russian player to come over to him after he had been hit.

“You know, when you play an emotional game like that, you do things you regret later, and I’m sure Boone regrets that.”

— DISCIPLINE SHORTAGE: Of course, Boone wasn’t the only discipline issue Team Canada faced against Russia. Forward Jonathan Huberdeau, who had been an offensive force the entire tournament, also received a match penalty after beaking off to officials midway through the game.

Asked about the breakdown in discipline, Hay replied: “Let’s put it this way, when players get frustrated, they do things they regret. Whether it’s (Huberdeau’s) misconduct penalty, or major penalties, or just selfish penalties, you usually regret those type of penalties.

“You have to understand, other countries want to win, other countries take pride in the way they play the game, and we have to find a way to work through that. If you understand how important winning is, you really feel the value of discipline.”

randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca