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IIHF declares Whalers’ Noesen ineligible for World Juniors

MiHockey Staff
Stefan Noesen will not play for Team USA at the World Juniors later this month. (Photos by Walt Dmoch/Plymouth Whalers)

By Michael Caples –  

Plymouth Whalers forward Stefan Noesen’s punishment from the Ontario Hockey League will carry over to the national stage, it appears.

The Plano, Texas, native was suspended 10 OHL games for a hit during the Whalers’ home game against Oshawa on Dec. 8. Noesen was given a five-minute major for charging, and a game misconduct, for his hit during the first period of Plymouth’s 4-3 loss.

The International Ice Hockey Federation announced today that because of the hit and ensuing punishment, Noesen would be ineligible for the 2013 World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia.

In a press release, Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, said he disagreed with the decision process.

“While we respect the IIHF’s decision, we don’t feel the process is equitable,” Ogrean said. “Moving forward, we’ll work with the IIHF and other federations to address the situation.”

Noesen, a first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators, has 17 goals and nine assists in 26 OHL games this season.

The YouTube account CambridgeHockeyVideo has shared what appears to be the hit in question, embedded below.