Marco Scandella.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. -- The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has suspended Val-d'Or Foreurs defenceman Marco Scandella indefinitely for hitting an opponent in the head.

The incident occurred in a game Wednesday against the Rimouski Oceanic.

"This afternoon, (QMJHL disciplinarian) Raymond Bolduc informed me of his decision to suspend Marco Scandella indefinitely," league commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a statement. "After seeing the hit, I believe it is the right decision while the disciplinary process runs its course.

"Our position is clear: We have a responsibility to protect our players. Their safety is our No. 1 priority."

Scandella was considered to be one of Canada's top defencemen at this year's world junior hockey championship.

Bolduc will gather testimonies from on-ice officials as well as players and members of both organizations, then analyse the facts and review his findings with a committee before deciding what action to take.

No timetable regarding when a decision will be reached has been set.

Last month, the QMJHL suspended Patrice Cormier of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies for the rest of the season for elbowing a Quebec Remparts player in the head during a game.

Cormier was the captain of Canada's world junior team.