After Joe Veleno was suspended for the IIHF World Championship, Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond spoke to him.
Raymond told Aftonbladet.se, "I called him after it happened." “Our words are private.
Raymond wants to defend Veleno, his Red Wings teammate. Veleno skated into Swiss captain Nino Niederreiter's leg during Saturday's Canada-Switzerland match.
Veleno's tournament ended with a five-game IIHF punishment.
Sweden's Raymond and Detroit's Jonatan Berggren had watched Veleno's actions.
Swedish hockey enthusiasts know Veleno. He debuted in Detroit after a season with Malmo in the SHL.
He challenged Raymond and Berggren. He's a friend now, not just a teammate. They'll support their pal.