Team Canada’s Joe Veleno stomps his opponent’s ankle in battle for the puck: ‘It’s beyond dirty’

Team Canada forward Joe Veleno was criticized Saturday for dangerous play in the IIHF World Hockey Championship game against Switzerland.

Veleno, who is also part of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, was in a battle for the puck along the boards with Swiss forward Nico Niederreiter when he appeared to deliberately stomp on the player’s ankle in an attempt to keep the ball away. washer.

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“It’s beyond dirty,” one of the broadcasters said as he broke down the incident during a replay. “It’s terribly awful when you know exactly what you’re doing.”

It’s unclear if Veleno will be suspended after the incident.

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“It doesn’t belong to our sport. You can’t do it. It’s too dangerous, the blades are extremely sharp,” Niederreiter said after the game, via Denik Sport. “He tried to go into battle to hurt me and almost (broke) my ankle. I’m very curious what the IIHF is doing about it. Hopefully they’ll do a better job. “

Edmonton Oilers star Evander Kane was among those who reacted on social media.

Joe Veleno of Canada controls the puck against Switzerland during the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on May 20, 2023 in Riga, Latvia.

“That’s why it’s necessary to fight in hockey, it discourages ideas like this and helps control the game effectively,” Kane tweeted. “Disgusting game to watch. Especially after my injury this year. Embarrassing.”

Detroit selected Veleno with the 30th overall pick in 2018. He made his debut in the 2020-21 season. He played 81 games in 2022-23 and had nine goals and 11 points.

Janis Moser of Switzerland and Joe Veleno of Canada on May 20, 2023 in Riga, Latvia. (Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

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Switzerland won the match 3-2.