Breaking: IIHF suspends Australian player Astafiev for one game over kicking incident
Table of Contents
The international Ice Hockey Federation announced on January 22, 2026 that Australian player Astafiev has been suspended for one game following a kicking incident in a recent match.
The sanction reflects IIHF’s ongoing effort too curb on-ice violence and preserve player safety across international competitions.
The federation did not disclose detailed circumstances of the incident, but the ruling confirms the punishment was issued under the sport’s disciplinary framework.
The one-game ban will apply to the next IIHF-sanctioned game in which the player would be eligible to participate.
The Australian national federation did not promptly issue a public comment on the decision.
Key facts
| Player | Astafiev |
|---|---|
| Nation | Australia |
| Offense | Kicking |
| Penalty | One-game suspension |
| Date announced | January 22, 2026 |
| Next game impact | Suspension active for the next IIHF‑sanctioned game |
why this matters
- The decision reinforces a zero-tolerance policy toward on-ice violence in international hockey.
- Teams must adjust quickly when a player is sidelined by a disciplinary sanction.
- The move supports efforts to standardize penalties across IIHF competitions for fairness and consistency.
For further context on the rules governing such actions, see the IIHF Regulations: IIHF Regulations.
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