The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division IIIA Disciplinary Panel has issued a two (2) games suspension to Team Turkiye player ALTAY, Omer (number 9) for a violation of Official Playing Rule 59 (Cross-Checking).
The incident occurred during Game number 9 between Bulgaria and Turkiye on 22 January 2026.
The play started when an opposing player, looking to protect his goaltender, made a slight movement into Altay’s skating lane. The Disciplinary Panel found that Altay, with two hands on his stick in a wide grip, delivered an upward cross-check, making contact with the opposing player’s head. This was not an inadvertent or accidental use of the stick; the player had sufficient opportunity to engage differently or avoid potential conflict with the opposing player. Instead, fully in control of his play, the player chose to deliver a cross-check to the head and neck area.
The player was previously sanctioned during the 2025 IIHF U20 World Championship season.
Therefore, as the Player violated Official Playing Rule 59 – Cross-Checking, he shall be sanctioned as follows:
The incident occurred during Game number 9 between Bulgaria and Turkiye on 22 January 2026.
The play started when an opposing player, looking to protect his goaltender, made a slight movement into Altay’s skating lane. The Disciplinary Panel found that Altay, with two hands on his stick in a wide grip, delivered an upward cross-check, making contact with the opposing player’s head. This was not an inadvertent or accidental use of the stick; the player had sufficient opportunity to engage differently or avoid potential conflict with the opposing player. Instead, fully in control of his play, the player chose to deliver a cross-check to the head and neck area.
The player was previously sanctioned during the 2025 IIHF U20 World Championship season.
Therefore, as the Player violated Official Playing Rule 59 – Cross-Checking, he shall be sanctioned as follows:
- Suspension for two games