FILE - This Oct. 13, 2010, file photo shows Washington Capitals right wing D.J. King (17) fighting with New York Islanders left wing Trevor Gillies (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Washington.The Associated Press
Adirondack Flames left-wing Trevor Gillies has been suspended 12 games by the American Hockey League for slamming an opposing player's head onto the ice during a game.
The incident occurred in the third period of the Flames' 6-1 loss in Rochester on Friday. Gillies skated up to Rochester rookie forward William Carrier during a scrum, punched him several times and slammed his head on the ice as he went down.
Gillies was assessed two game misconducts as well as a fighting major and an instigating minor.
Carrier, who did not throw a punch during the melee, was not injured on the play.
This is the latest multi-game suspension for Gillies. While a member of the New York Islanders during the 2010-11 season, Gillies was suspended nine games for elbowing Pittsburgh's Eric Tangradi in the face and punching him while he was down.
On his first game back from that suspension, Gillies was ejected for a hit on Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck and suspended another 10 games.
Gillies is eligible to return to the lineup on Nov. 15 at Lake Erie.