Ukita will miss Monday’s group-stage contest against Switzerland but will be able to return for Wednesday’s game against the United North and South Korean women.
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The violation came with 48 seconds remaining in Japan’s loss Saturday to Sweden. During a puck battle in front of the Swedish bench, Sweden’s Annie Svedin pushed Ukita to the ice.
While Svedin was over Ukita, the Japanese player made a kicking action directed to the lower body of the Swede.
A disciplinary panel, based on videos and other evidence, determined the kick was not mere momentum of the play but a clear leg movement in Svedin’s direction.
Although the announcement said the panel did not believe Ukita intended to injure Svedin, the swinging kick so near a rival was a violation.
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