Newcastle Vipers enforcer Mel Angelstad has spoken of his regret after being handed an eight-game suspension by the Elite League Disciplinary Committee.
The defenceman was dealt the ban after a slashing clash with Jeff Hutchins last Saturday left the Coventry Blaze forward with a nasty head injury.
Former NHL player Angelstad said: "I would like to apologise to Jeff.
"My career's been built around tough hockey but this is not something I'm proud of and for that I am sorry."