Brock Beukeboom has shown the ugly side to his game before.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO -- The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are going to start the playoffs without Brock Beukeboom.

The 17-year-old defenceman was handed a four-game suspension by the Ontario Hockey League on Thursday after boarding Plymouth's R.J. Mahalak in a game on March 12.

Mahalak was injured on the play, prompting the ban from the OHL.

The Whalers and Greyhounds will open a best-of-seven playoff series on Friday. Beukeboom won't be eligible to return until a potential Game 5 on March 26 in Plymouth.