Photo Credit: Andy Devlin/NHLI
This is not the first time that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Andrew Ference has had a run in with the Department of Players Safety. On Monday, Ference was suspended for the third time in two years for an illegal hit to the head of Zack Kassian of the Vancouver Canucks.
The hit was a total cheap shot on Ference’s part. He rammed his shoulder into Kassian’s head after the Canucks’ player passed the puck into the Oilers’ zone.
Ference is known to be a repeat offender. His last ban came during 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he decided to hit Mikhail Grabovski in the head. He was only suspended one game for that offense. His history of offenses goes back to 2012 when he was suspended three games for boarding Ryan McDonagh.
The NHL said that Ference will be able to return on Saturday for a game against the New York Rangers but he is definitely getting more of a punishment. Even though he is not banned, he is still losing $118,902 from his salary.
