Ducks’ Vermette ejected for slashing linesman

Minneapolis: Anaheim Ducks forward Antoine Vermette could be facing a lengthy suspension from the NHL after being slapped with a game misconduct penalty for slashing a league official.

The 34-year-old Canadian was ejected from Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild for “abuse of officials”.

With 12:27 to play in the third period, Vermette was given a game misconduct for slashing linesman Shandor Alphonso.

Replays showed that after a faceoff, Vermette swung his stick at Alphonso, making contact with his lower leg and prompting the ejection with 12:27 left in the third period. Alphonso was not injured on the play.

The Ducks won the contest 1-0.

Vermette, who is in his first season with the Ducks, has played in all 58 of the team’s games, scoring eight goals.