Prosser suspended one game for head butt

DETROITChicago Blackhawks forward Jamal Mayers got an apology from Nate Prosser last night, after the Minnesota Wild defenseman head-butted him. On Friday, the NHL had its response.

Prosser was suspended one game for the head butt, so he will miss the Wilds regular-season finale against the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday night. Mayers was not seriously injured on the playhe had a cut lip and played the rest of the game. That, and the fact that Prosser has never been fined or suspended in his brief NHL career, factored into Brendan Shanahans decision.

Shanahan said Prossers actions violated Rule 47: The act of headbutting that involves a player making intentional contact, or attempting to make contact, with an opponent by leading with his head or helmet.

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Based on his average annual salary, Prosser will forfeit 3,864.86 for the game hell miss. The money goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund.

Mayers appreciated Prossers apology but said theres no need for that in the game.

I was shocked to have that happen; its never happened in my career. Ive been punched in the face before but never been head butted, said Mayers. I wasnt happy about it.

Prosser told the Minneapolis Star Tribune after the game that (Mayers) pushed me in the stomach and I went forward. It was the most unintentional thing I think Ive ever done. I think he sold it pretty well; he acted like his teeth were knocked out. I felt bad at the time, but then hes back the next shift.