The Ontario Hockey League has suspended Brampton Steelheads defenceman Luke Dragusica for the rest of the regular season and playoffs for delivering a slash to an opponent’s head.
The incident occurred late in a Nov. 14 game against Oshawa, where Dragusica was assessed a match penalty for his slash on Generals defenceman Brady Blaseg.
The league says video review showed he also made contact with another player.
“The deliberate use of a stick as a weapon to an opponent’s head, followed by further contact on a defenceless player, is a dangerous and unacceptable act that has no place in the OHL,” the league said in a statement.
Dragusica must complete education, counselling and community service requirements as part of the sanction. He will also have to appear before a reinstatement panel before being eligible to return next season.
The 18-year-old had two assists and 37 penalty minutes in 15 games this season.
The OHL says the case will be used in future player-safety education.