12-game suspension for AHL player Gillies

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) An Adirondack Flames player has been suspended 12 games by the American Hockey League for slamming an opposing player's head onto the ice during a game.

Left-wing Trevor Gillies skated up to Rochester rookie forward William Carrier during a scrum, punched him several times and slammed his head on the ice as he went down.

Gillies was assessed two game misconducts, a fighting major and an instigating minor during the third period of the Flames' 6-1 loss in Rochester on Friday. Carrier did not throw a punch during the melee.

While playing for the New York Islanders during the 2010-11 season, Gillies was suspended nine games for punching a player. The first game back, he was ejected for a hit and suspended another 10 games.

Gillies is eligible to return to the lineup on Nov. 15.