Sweden’s Alex Edler banned for 2 Sochi Olympics hockey games for hit on Canada’s Eric Staal

ZURICH – Sweden defenceman Alex Edler has been suspended for two games during the Sochi Olympics for a dangerous hit at the world championships.

The International Ice Hockey Federation says its disciplinary panel judged Edler’s hit on Canada captain Eric Staal was “reckless, dangerous and in disregard to the vulnerability of his opponent.”

Edler knocked Staal out of the quarterfinals with knee-on-knee hit in Stockholm in May. He received a major penalty and game misconduct. Edler, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, was banned from the rest of the tournament as Sweden went on to become world champion.

The IIHF says he attended a disciplinary hearing in last week in Zurich.

Edler must sit out Sweden’s games against the Czech Republic and Switzerland next February at the Sochi Olympics.

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