NCHC suspends Western Michigan forward Adam Benák

GRAND FORKS — The National Collegiate Hockey Conference has suspended Western Michigan forward Adam Benák for one game for slashing UND's Cody Croal on Saturday night. The slash occurred as Croal scored an empty-net goal to seal a 4-1 UND victory in Ralph Engelstad Arena. Benák swung his stick with one hand at Croal as he released the puck. The blade of Benák's stick hit Croal in the throat. Croal immediately crumpled to the ice behind the net. A melee ensued in the corner. Croal eventually got up, found Benák, locked up with him and said a few words. NCHC officials Jake Jackson and Sterling Egan assessed Benák a five-minute major and a game misconduct, which carries an automatic ejection but not suspension. NCHC commissioner Heather Weems and director of officiating Mike Schmitt, who both attended the game, reviewed the play as part of the league's standard procedure. They review all major penalties.

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