The Championship Disciplinary Panel for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIIA has issued a one-game suspension to Türkiye’s Yusuf Kars for an illegal hit to the head.
The incident occurred in Game 11 of the tournament between Türkiye and Bosnia & Herzegovina, when Kars, out of position, delivered a hard hit and elevated himself so that the main force of the contact was directed at the opponent’s head.
He was ejected from the game.
The Championship Disciplinary Panel noted that while an opponent in possession of the puck may be checked, the player must take an angle of approach that allows for a full body check, where the main force is delivered through the shoulder or core of the opponent.
The Panel determined that Kars violated Official Playing Rule 48 (Illegal Check to the Head or Neck) and will receive a one (1) game suspension in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will serve his suspension in Game #13, Türkiye vs. Mexico, on April 19, 2026.
The incident occurred in Game 11 of the tournament between Türkiye and Bosnia & Herzegovina, when Kars, out of position, delivered a hard hit and elevated himself so that the main force of the contact was directed at the opponent’s head.
He was ejected from the game.
The Championship Disciplinary Panel noted that while an opponent in possession of the puck may be checked, the player must take an angle of approach that allows for a full body check, where the main force is delivered through the shoulder or core of the opponent.
The Panel determined that Kars violated Official Playing Rule 48 (Illegal Check to the Head or Neck) and will receive a one (1) game suspension in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will serve his suspension in Game #13, Türkiye vs. Mexico, on April 19, 2026.