Stars’ Jamie Oleksiak to have hearing for illegal check to the head

Jamie Oleksiak catches Chris VandeVelde with a hard hit in the the third period of Dallas' 4-2 win over Philadelphia Saturday.

Jamie Oleksiak will have a hearing with the Department of Player Safety on Sunday and could face suspension for an illegal check to the head on Philadelphia Chris VandeVelde Saturday night.

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This hit in question came near the mid-way point of the third period when VandeVelde was taking a shot on the Stars’ goal. As he was shooting the puck, Oleksiak came across for the check and appeared to “pick” the head, which would indeed be a suspendable offence. Whether or not the check came from VandeVelde’s blindside is not a determining factor.

Oleksiak was not penalized on the play. The 6-foot-7, 260-pound 23-year-old has four points in 13 games this season.

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