Ducks’ Vermette facing lengthy ban for slashing linesman
Anaheim Ducks centre Antoine Vermette is facing the likely prospect of a 10-game suspension from the NHL for slashing a linesman.
Vermette slapped his stick against the back of linesman Shandor Alphonso’s legs after losing a faceoff to Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu during the third period of the Ducks’ 1-0 win Tuesday night.
Vermette had a disciplinary conference call with the league and the players’ union Wednesday, but the NHL didn’t issue an immediate confirmation of what’s expected to be an automatic 10-game suspension under league rules for applying physical force to an official without intent to injure.
The normally mild-mannered Vermette appeared to act out of frustration when Alphonso dropped the puck before the forward had put his stick in place on the ice.