Guelph Storm forward Zach Poirier has been suspended 10 games following a hit he delivered during Sunday’s game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The hit on Greyhounds’ forward Barrett Hayton came about midway through the third period. Hayton suffered a cut to his face and Poirier was given a major penalty for checking to the head.
“We’re disappointed to lose Zach, but we certainly don’t want to see a young man hurt or injured on the play,” said Storm head coach and general manager George Burnett.
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In its rationale, the OHL pointed out that there was direct contact with the head, Hayton was vulnerable and suffered an injury on the play.
The Storm went on to lose the game 7-4 at the Essar Centre.
Poirier has two goals and two assists in 12 games this season and is eligible to return on Nov. 24 when the Storm host the Barrie Colts at Sleeman Centre.
Burnett is now looking for another player to step up and fill the void for the next month.
“It’s a day at a time here right now and we’ve got three games in a short period of time. We’ll look at all the options we have and come up with the best plan possible,” Burnett said.
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