Marco Scandella.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. -- The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has suspended Val-d'Or Foreurs defenceman Marco Scandella 15 games for hitting an opponent in the head.

Scandella was banned for hitting Rimouski Oceanic forward Alexandre Durette during a game last Wednesday. Scandella had been on indefinite suspension since the incident.

"We will continue to be very stern regarding hits to the head as well as towards any gestures which could compromise the well-being of our players," QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a statement.

"Moreover, we remain in constant contact with the Rimouski Oceanic organization in order to get updates on Alexandre's health and progress."

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

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.