World Juniors: Braden Schneider earns one-game suspension

Schneider’s high hit costs him a game

Braden Schneider, the New York Rangers’ 19th pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, has been handed a one-game suspension by the IIHF for his high hit on Team Germany’s Jan-Luca Schumacher. He will miss Canada’s game against Slovakia tonight.

As Blueshirt Banter’s Adam Herman wrote earlier today, “Schneider received a swift five-minute major and game misconduct. The Canadian bench did not protest and the TSN broadcast crew immediately recognized it as the correct call.”

From the IIHF’s release:

Based on all facts ascertained, the Disciplinary Panel determined that – while Schneider’s elbow was down and while there was a size difference between the two players – because Schneider slightly elevated his shoulder into Schumacher’s head resulting in the player’s head snapping back, Schneider actions were extremely dangerous, created a serious risk of injury to Schumacher and violated IIHF Official Rule 124 (Checking to the Head and Neck Area). Schneider could have easily avoided the check.

The Disciplinary Panel determined that because Schneider violated Official Playing Rule 124-Checking to the Head and Neck Area when checking Schumacher, he shall receive a one-game suspension. Schneider will miss Canada’s next preliminary round game against Slovakia, and will be eligible to return for the following game against Switzerland.

Schneider delivered his illegal hit 08:40 into the first period while Canada had a 2-0 lead. Canada went on to win the game 16-2. Schneider is one of two players at the World Juniors with 25 penalty minutes after just one game of competition. The other is Austrian defender Philipp Wimmer.

The next game Schneider will be eligible to compete in for Canada is against Switzerland on Dec. 29.