Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry was suspended four games for interference by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety Wednesday afternoon for an incident that occurred during Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Perry will forfeit $115,135.12, a fine based on his average annual salary. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
NHL’s suspension explanation video:
Wild forward Jason Zucker needed help off the ice after he was elbowed in the head by Perry in the second period of the game.
Perry dipped his shoulder and threw an elbow at Zucker’s head, sending him crashing into the corner boards. Zucker stayed down on the ice for about five minutes as he was helped by trainers.
Perry was given a major penalty for interference and was ejected.
“You never like seeing one of your players getting hit like that,” said Wild coach Mike Yeo.
Thanks to everyone for the get well texts and tweets, I appreciate the support! I am doing better today and hope to be playing soon! #MNWild
— Jason Zucker (@Jason_Zucker16) March 13, 2013
Zucker spoke to the media at Xcel Energy Center Wednesday after skating and said he had “an upper-body injury”; asked directly, he refused to answer whether or not he had a concussion.
Watch Zucker’s post-hit comments:
Because Perry’s hearing was held over the phone and not in person, the maximum number of games for which he could have been suspended was five.
This is the second four-game ban of Perry’s career.
Previously, Perry received a four-game suspension in 2009 for an elbow to the head of Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux.
“I don’t go out there looking to hurt guys,” Perry told the Orange County Register. “That’s not the way I am. That’s not me as a person. It is what it is.”
(with files from AP)
