Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman is going to miss his home opener with his new team.
Coleman has been suspended two games – one preseason and one regular season – for boarding Winnipeg Jets forward Jansen Harkins.
The hit came 6:15 into the second period of an October 6 preseason game in Winnipeg. Coleman was given a minor penalty for boarding by referees Ian Walsh and Chris Schlenker.
The Jets forward was already on his knees – having been tripped moments prior – when Coleman drove him into the boards.
Harkins left the game for evaluation, later returning to the ice. Both players picked up 10-minute misconducts for an altercation in the third period.
“It was a pretty solid check into the numbers,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “We’re fortunate that he’s healthy. You don’t want to see anything happen from behind but then it’s hockey again. Everybody’s healthy, away we go, we’re fine. I’m not going to complain about it.”
Coleman forfeits $24,500 as a result of the suspension.
