UND forward Cole Smith has been suspended for tonight's game against the University of Denver for an illegal hit to the head during Friday's opener.
Smith made contact with the head of Denver defenseman Adam Plant 3 minutes, 14 seconds into the third period after Plant took a shot from the high slot. Plant, who has had concussion problems this season, was helped off the ice.
Smith was given a five-minute major and ejected for the hit. Denver scored once on the ensuing power play and the game ended in a 3-3 tie.
This was the second major penalty on Smith this season. The first also came on a check on Plant during the November series between the teams in Magness Arena. Smith was assessed a five-minute major for boarding for that hit.
Any further majors on Smith this season will automatically carry a one-game suspension.
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UND did not have any healthy forwards out of the lineup Friday. Centers Rhett Gardner and Nick Jones were both out with injuries. If both Gardner and Jones are unable to go for tonight's series finale, UND will have to dress a defenseman at forward to fill Smith's spot.
Tonight's series finale begins at 7:07 p.m.
UND and Denver are 1-1-1 against each other this season.
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