Gostisbehere ejected in USA win

Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals at the World Junior Championships in Russia on Monday, thanks to a 9-3 victory over Slovakia.

When the Americans take on the Czech Republic on Wednesday (4 a.m. EST on NHL Network), they may be forced to do it without Flyers prospect Shayne Gostisbehere.

Gostisbehere, 19, was ejected from Monday's preliminary round final with a game misconduct, which was coupled with a major slashing penalty. Gostisbehere was skating through the neutral zone, with Team USA leading 5-1, when he struck a Slovakian player in the groin area.

Video of Gostisbehere's slash - which also could have been whistled as spearing - is embedded below.

Gostisbehere's fate is now in the hands of the IIHF Tournament Directors, who handle supplementary discipline at the Under-20 tournament. Two different players have been suspended for their actions during the tournament; a third, Canada's Boone Jenner, was even suspended for 3 precious tournament games for a hit delivered in a pre-tournament exhibition game.

As of early Tuesday morning (EST), there was no word from the IIHF on a suspension for Gostisbehere.

Gostisbehere has been one of Team USA's real bright spots. The Union College sophomore defenseman collected an assist against Slovakia before being ejected. He also scored a goal in an 8-0 rout over Germany in the tournament's opening game. 

We caught up with Gostisbehere and Flyers director of hockey operations Chris Pryor, who is in Russia at the tournament, via phone on Saturday.

The winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal against Czech Republic will face off against Canada on Thursday in the semifinal. Team USA finished 7th last year.

For the latest updates, follow Frank Seravalli on Twitter: @DNFlyers