IIHF gives Ukrainian player 1-year ban
Tuesday morning the International Ice Hockey Federation announced that they have suspended Ukranian player Andri Denyskin for one-year for his racist gesture directed towards Jalen Smereck, a person of color.
This ban was related to an incident which occurred in September during a game between HC Kremenchuk and HC Donbass. During the play both players were penalized and while being held apart Denyskin made the racist gesture and was ejected from the game.
Denyskin was given a 13-game suspension by the Ukrainian Hockey League, which was the longest suspension possible under their rulebook.
This suspension will stop Denyskin from competing in any international tournaments for the year.
"Racist gestures, comments or actions have absolutely no place in the game of ice hockey, or anywhere, for that matter. Denyskin's actions are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated." - IIHF President Luc Tardif
Denyskin immediately acknowledged his actions and issued an apology to Smereck. The IIHF also agreed they'd work with the UHL to ensure their rules were amended to ensure longer suspensions were available to be issued in the future for similar infractions.
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