Headshot results in Scandella suspension

Minnesota Wild prospect and current Val-d’Or Foreurs defenseman Marco Scandella has been suspended indefinitely by the QMJHL for what the league termed a 'violent headshot'. Scandella delivered an apparent elbow to the head of a Rimouski Oceanic forward Alexandre Durette, causing his visor to shatter into pieces and leaving him with cuts to his face.

Scandella was acquired by the Wild in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, where Minnesota selected him in the second round (55th overall). He currently has 31 (9 goals, 22 assists) points in 31 games for his junior club and is coming off a very impressive run with Team Canada in the World Junior Championships.

"After seeing the hit, I believe it is the right decision while the disciplinary process runs its course. Our position is clear: We have a responsibility to protect our players. Their safety is our No. 1 priority,” QMJHL commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a press release.

In the report to the league, Rimouski officials cited a similar hit that resulted in a season-long suspension that was handed out earlier this season.

Stay tuned as the process now heads to a person entitled the Disciplinary Prefect, which will be in charge of collecting the testimonies of the on-ice officials, the players and of members of both organizations. The Disciplinary Prefect will then analyze the facts and review his findings with the Disciplinary Sanctions Committee before making a decision.