Blackhawks Keith waives right to in-person hearing

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Duncan Keith will have a phone hearing on Friday about his slash of Minnesota's Charlie Coyle.

CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks star defenseman Duncan Keith has waived his right to an in-person hearing for high-sticking Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced late Thursday night that Keith will have a phone hearing instead on Friday afternoon.

The offer for an in-person hearing meant the league can suspend Keith more than five games, but it doesn't have to. Chicago has five regular-season games remaining, starting with Friday's visit to Winnipeg.

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After being knocked onto his back during the first period of Chicago's game Tuesday at Minnesota, Keith lifted his stick into Coyle's face. He was given a 5-minute major and a match penalty, an immediate ejection.

Coyle needed stitches to close a cut on his nose, which wasn't broken.