AHL Suspends Lian Bichsel Three Games for Leaving the Penalty Box

(Credit: Ross Bonander/Texas Stars)

The AHL announced this afternoon that Stars defender Lian Bichsel has been suspended for three games as a consequence of his game misconduct on Wednesday. 

Following a fracas after a late hit from Chicago's Kyle Marino, Bichsel was escorted to the penalty box. Bichsel left the penalty box to yell at Marino some more and picked up a game misconduct in the process.

The league is notably harsh on procedural penalties like this, and in my opinion, it is with good reason. For the safety of everyone, once players have left the ice surface, they should stay there. It was a heat of the moment play, and I'd bet Bichsel wouldn't do it again if he had it to do over again. The suspension surely helps reinforce that.

Here's the play in case you missed it:

Bichsel will miss games Saturday and Sunday in Milwaukee and Chicago, respectively, as well as Texas' home game against Manitoba next Friday. 

The suspension puts the Stars' defensive depth in a bit more of a bind with Gavin Bayreuther out on a long-term injury, which he had surgery for on Tuesday. Gavin White, who has yet to play a game, may check in for the weekend's contests, or Texas may make a call to Boise for Ben Zloty or Jake Murray. The Stars may make the call regardless to ensure they have a seventh defenseman.