Zboril suspended five games

Saint John Sea Dogs defenceman Jakub Zboril has been suspended five games by the QMJHL for a hit to the head during Sunday's game in Moncton.

Ironically, Zboril was named the game's first star with a goal and an assist. He was not penalized for his hit on Moncton's Zach Malatesta.

The QMJHL website has video of the hit.

Here is the league's reasoning behind the suspension:

• The player at fault attempted a shot towards the net from the blue line. 
• The puck deflected on a player and headed towards the slot. 
• The opponent redirected it in the neutral zone. 
• The player at fault accelerated and hit him. 
• He jumped before the impact and hit the opponent’s head with his forearm and elbow. 
• The opponent was not injured on the play. 
• This is not the first offense of the player at fault.

The Sea Dogs will be without Zboril until Dec. 4 in Gatineau. It's a big loss, obviously - especially with the Sea Dogs hurting right now. On Sunday in Moncton the team was without defencemen Bailey Webster (upper body), Chase Stewart (illness), Alexandre Bernier (illness) and Vincent Martineau (suspension).

Saint John hosts the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles tonight at 7 p.m.