Russian Hockey Federation fined for leaving ice before Canadian anthem

The Russian Hockey Federation (RHF) has been fined for the national team's actions at the World Hockey Championship in May.

The Russian team was fined 80,000 Swiss francs (approximately $85,000 USD) by the IIHF on Monday for leaving the ice prior to the Canadian national anthem after Canada's 6-1 victory in the gold medal game.

Here's the explanation of the decision from the governing body:

Supported by video footage of the ceremony, the Deciding Panel of the IIHF Disciplinary Board ascertained that the Russian team captain had discussions with team staff members, after which he talked to his teammates, at the same time moving his head towards the open gate; the gate had been open since the start of the ceremony. The majority of the players and the staff members left the ice immediately following the Canadian Players receiving their medals while a few players remained, eventually leaving the ice themselves a little later.

The IIHF said this was the first time a team had ever left the ice before the conclusion of a World Hockey Championship medal ceremony.

The RHF has seven days to file an appeal.