The IIHF Championship Disciplinary Panel for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIIA has issued a one-game suspension to Turkmenistan’s Begench Dovletmyradov for head-butting.
The incident occurred in Game #8 of the tournament between Turkmenistan and Mexico.
In its decision, the Championship Disciplinary Panel noted that Dovletmyradov head-butted an opponent following a confrontation.
This constitutes a violation of Official Playing Rule 47 (Head-Butting).
The Championship Disciplinary Panel has determined that Dovletmyradov will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.
Game #8 TKM v MEX, Kerven BAYLYYEV (Boarding / Check from Behind)
In the same game, another Turkmenistan player, Kerven Baylyyev, delivered a forceful check from behind that sent the opponent dangerously into the boards. According to the Championship Disciplinary Panel, supplemental discipline is warranted, as Baylyyev could see the numbers on the back of the opposing player throughout the play.
Baylyyev will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will also serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.
Game #9 TUR v RSA, Wesley KROTZ (Kneeing)
Additionally, South Africa’s Wesley Krotz has received a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5, for kneeing. The incident occurred in the game between South Africa and Türkiye.
While attempting to check a Türkiye player, Krotz angled his left knee and made dangerous knee-on-knee contact without any upper-body contact.
This constitutes a violation of Official Playing Rule 50 (Kneeing).
Krotz will serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.
The incident occurred in Game #8 of the tournament between Turkmenistan and Mexico.
In its decision, the Championship Disciplinary Panel noted that Dovletmyradov head-butted an opponent following a confrontation.
This constitutes a violation of Official Playing Rule 47 (Head-Butting).
The Championship Disciplinary Panel has determined that Dovletmyradov will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.
Game #8 TKM v MEX, Kerven BAYLYYEV (Boarding / Check from Behind)
In the same game, another Turkmenistan player, Kerven Baylyyev, delivered a forceful check from behind that sent the opponent dangerously into the boards. According to the Championship Disciplinary Panel, supplemental discipline is warranted, as Baylyyev could see the numbers on the back of the opposing player throughout the play.
Baylyyev will receive a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5.
He will also serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.
Game #9 TUR v RSA, Wesley KROTZ (Kneeing)
Additionally, South Africa’s Wesley Krotz has received a one (1) game suspension, in accordance with IIHF Disciplinary Regulations, Article 10.5, for kneeing. The incident occurred in the game between South Africa and Türkiye.
While attempting to check a Türkiye player, Krotz angled his left knee and made dangerous knee-on-knee contact without any upper-body contact.
This constitutes a violation of Official Playing Rule 50 (Kneeing).
Krotz will serve his suspension in Game #12, South Africa vs. Turkmenistan, on April 17, 2026.