IIHF suspends Czech defenseman for illegal hit

Czech Republic defenseman Patrik Marcel was given a one-game suspension Wednesday by the IIHF disciplinary panel and will not be available for the Czechs in their quarterfinal game Thursday against Finland (8:30 a.m. ET, NHLN-US) at Malmo Arena in Malmo, Sweden.

Marcel, a top-four defenseman during the tournament, earned the suspension for a knee-on-knee hit against Slovakia's David Minarik in a preliminary-round match Tuesday. Marcel was assessed a five-minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct on the play, which occurred in the second period of the Czech Republic's 4-1 win.

Marcel will be eligible to return to the lineup if the Czech Republic advances to the semifinal round Friday.