Guelph Storm defenceman Ryan Merkley has been handed a three-game suspension by the Ontario Hockey League for his baseball swing-like slash in North Bay last Sunday.
Merkley, upset over a slash from the North Bay Battalion's Daniel Walker, swung his stick like a baseball bat, holding up slightly at the last minute before delivering a retaliatory slash to the back of Walker's legs.
Merkley was ejected from the game while Walker was given a two-minute slashing minor.
Merkley will miss games in Windsor Thursday, at home Friday against Saginaw and Sunday at home versus London.
He is eligible to return Feb. 16 at home against the Ottawa 67s.
