The IIHF Championship Disciplinary Panel for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World U20 Championship IIB has issued a one-game suspension to Australia’s Artem Astafiev for kicking.
The incident occurred at 16:49 of the first period in Game #9 of the tournament between Serbia and Australia.
After Astafiev lost a faceoff, he attempted to move into the shooting lane to block a potential shot. However, as he did so, the opposing center was in his way, and Astafiev used his left leg in a kicking motion, making contact with the back of the opponent’s right leg and forcing him to the ice.
This constitutes a violation of IIHF Official Playing Rule 49 (Kicking). It should also be noted that players need to be aware of the position of their opponents at all times.
The 2026 IIHF Championship Disciplinary Panel has determined that Astafiev will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
Astafiev will serve his suspension in Game #11, Australia vs. Israel, on January 22, 2026.
The incident occurred at 16:49 of the first period in Game #9 of the tournament between Serbia and Australia.
After Astafiev lost a faceoff, he attempted to move into the shooting lane to block a potential shot. However, as he did so, the opposing center was in his way, and Astafiev used his left leg in a kicking motion, making contact with the back of the opponent’s right leg and forcing him to the ice.
This constitutes a violation of IIHF Official Playing Rule 49 (Kicking). It should also be noted that players need to be aware of the position of their opponents at all times.
The 2026 IIHF Championship Disciplinary Panel has determined that Astafiev will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
Astafiev will serve his suspension in Game #11, Australia vs. Israel, on January 22, 2026.