The American Hockey League has suspended Albany Devils defenseman Dan Kelly 10 games for his elbow to the head of Toronto Marlie Andreas Johnson in Game 4 of their playoff series Tuesday night at Times Union Center, a hit that sent the wing to the hospital.
Kelly received a game misconduct as a result of the illegal hit. The Marlies went on to win the game 7-2 to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
“Kelly will miss Albany’s next 10 games, beginning with Game 5 of the North Division Finals vs. Toronto tonight [7 p.m., Times Union Center],” the league’s press release read. “If Albany is eliminated before the suspension can be served to completion this postseason, remaining games would carry over to the next time Kelly is active on an AHL club roster.”
The length suspension is not unexpected given the hit. Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe called for a 12-game ban.
