Nate Thompson was suspended three games by the NHL’s department of player safety on Monday as additional punishment for his high hit on Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Justin Faulk.
At 6:25 of the first period Friday, Thompson skated to the point and caught Faulk an illegal check to the head.
Thompson received a five-minute major for elbowing as well as a game misconduct. Faulk was shaken up but did not miss a shift and recorded a pair of assists that night. The Hurricanes won 5-1.
“I feel like I’m an honest player,” Thompson told reporters afterward. “I’m not a dirty player. It was just one of those things where it happened fast. I wasn’t trying to hit his head. I’ve played with Faulker in the world championships with the U.S. He’s a great guy, great player.
“My intention is not to hurt anybody out there. He’s kind of falling forward. My shoulder hits him in the head. The refs got to make the call.”
Based on his average annual salary, Thompson will forfeit $25,806.45 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Thompson will be available to return Dec. 22, when the Ducks visit the New York Rangers.
The 31-year-old centre has two assists and 15 penalty minutes in four games played this season.
