Kraken forward Yanni Gourde suspended for hit on Mattias Ekholm

Moments ago, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced their decision for supplementary discipline on Seattle forward Yanni Gourde for his hit on Oilers' defenceman Mattias Ekholm yesterday. Player Safety have suspended Gourde for two games.

It was an extremely quick play and there was no closer replay of the hit, but Gourde can be seen with incredible speed jumping to make contact with Ekholm while spreading out his elbows. There was definite contact from Gourde's elbow to Ekholm's head, which clearly snaps back on the play.




The official announcement hasn't come down yet from Player Safety, but the the reason provided for the hearing was the egregious charge against Ekholm, although there also was contact to the head. It's a fitting punishment for and dirty and dangerous hit that went without a big scene, making this a rare good decision from the Department of Player Safety.