December 31, 2012

Team Canada defenceman Tyler Wotherspoon was clipped by a skate during the first period of Canada's 4-1 win over Russia Monday. He also got his head rammed into the boards and received seven stitches before returning to the game. (Chris Stevenson/QMI Agency)

UFA, RUSSIA - It was a rough first period for Canada defenceman Tyler Wotherspoon against Russia.

First, he got clipped in the right cheek by a skate, which required the cut to be glued shut on the bench.

Back on the ice a few minutes later, he got driven into the boards from behind by Russia's Valeri Nichushkin, who received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct.