UPDATE (Monday, 1 p.m. ET): The AHL announced Monday that Zac Rinaldo has been suspended five games.
ORIGINAL STORY: Zac Rinaldo now owns the rare distinction of being suspended by two leagues simultaneously.
The NHL earlier this week slapped the Boston Bruins winger with a five-game ban for his high hit on Tampa Bay Lightning center Cedric Paquette. The Bruins sent Rinaldo to the American Hockey League one day after their loss to the Lightning, however, and since his suspension must be served at the NHL level, he was eligible to suit up for the Providence Bruins.
But trouble followed Rinaldo to the minors. In his very first game with the Baby B’s, the 25-year-old was given a match penalty and ejected after landing a blindside hit on Bridgeport Sound Tigers defenseman Kane Lafranchise.
As is the case in the NHL, a match penalty in the AHL carries with it an automatic indefinite suspension. Rinaldo will be ineligible to play on either circuit until the league reviews his case.
Rinaldo had one goal and two assists in 52 games for the Bruins before his demotion.
Video via Weekend at Bergy’s
Thumbnail photo via Eric Bolte/USA TODAY Sports Images
