Fansided

Ryan Garbutt offered an in-person hearing for hit to Dustin Penner

By Tasha St. Pierre

Oct 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Ryan Garbutt (16) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Sharks 4-3 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Ryan Garbutt (16) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Sharks 4-3 in the overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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In what seems like the year of the suspension, NHL.com is reporting that Dallas Stars left wing Ryan Garbutt has been offered an in-person hearing with the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety following an incident involving left wing Dustin Penner at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Sunday night.

This is just the latest in a string of incidents recently that have resulted in players missing multiple games due to injury. The first of which was the suspension of St. Louis Blues center Maxim Lapierre for his boarding of San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle which has resulted him to be sidelined indefinitely with a neck injury.

Also, there was the recentl infraction by Colorado Avalanche left wing Cody McLeod for his boarding incident against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall. McLeod is set to have his hearing sometime this afternoon.

In this particular incident, Garbutt is just out of the penalty box as Penner attempts to bring the puck to center ice, just releasing a shot, when he is charged by Garbutt, who leaves his feet in what looked like an intentional effort to strike Penner in the head with an elbow.

Surprisingly, there was no penalty called on the play. Take a look for yourself and tell me what you think.

Penner laid on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room by his teammates. He would not return to the game.

Later, the Ducks released this statement on Twitter regarding Penner’s condition.

As we have explained before, Garbutt was offered an in-person hearing because due to the terms of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, any suspension that could possibly occur for a period of 5 or more games, the player is afforded the opportunity to face the Department of Player Safety in person.

According to the NHL.com report, the following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: charging and illegal check to the head. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review. Later in the evening, Dustin Penner tweeted this:

The Ducks rallied back and defeated the Stars 6-3.

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