The defenceman will miss his team’s final preliminary-round game against the United States.

Kovacevic was suspended for an elbow to the head and neck area of Slovak forward Tomas Kopecky that occurred during the preliminary-round game between Slovakia and Slovenia on Saturday, 15 February.

Upon reviewing the play where both players collided in front of the Slovak goal, the Panel determined that Kovacevic extended and directed his elbow to contact the head and neck area of Kopecky, who as a result of the hit had to leave the ice and did not return for the rest of the game.

Based on these facts, the Panel decided that an additional disciplinary measure was needed in the form of a one-game suspension, meaning that Kovacevic will sit out Game No. 17 against the United States.