Chicago Blackhawk forward Ben Eager is facing a likely suspension for attempting to swing his stick at Dallas's Sean Avery in a pre-season game last night.
Eager was assessed a match penalty half-way through the third period for attempting to swing his stick at the Stars pest while he was on the Blackhawk bench. Avery had skated by and apparently said something to the Hawk bench. Eager reacted by swinging his stick.
Eager apparently did not make full contact with Avery but the match penalty was called and that means an automatic review by the NHL.
Eager and Avery had a confrontation earlier in the period where both players were assessed roughing minors with Avery earning an extra two minute penalty.
Although the game was not televised, the league has in-house video of the incident and will be reviewing the episode.
A hearing for Eager is expected sometime next week before the season opens on Thursday.
