Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tucker Poolman was suspended for two games Friday for high-sticking an opponent a night earlier.
Poolman received a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety after striking Kiefer Sherwood in the head with his stick during a 7-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Midway through the third period of Thursday’s game in Denver, Sherwood checked Poolman. Poolman then turned and used his stick to swing at Sherwood’s head, connecting with the side of his helmet.
Poolman received a match penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct. Sherman was not injured on the play.
“This is not a hockey play,” a Department of Player Safety official said in an explanatory video. “This is an intentional and retaliatory stick swing that strikes an opponent directly in the head, and such actions cannot be excused.”
The 28-year-old Poolman has no previous suspension history. He will be ineligible for the Canucks’ upcoming road games against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday and the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.
Poolman has one assist in 13 games this season. He has 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 133 career games with the Winnipeg Jets and Canucks over four seasons.
–Field Level Media
