Gophers forward Kyle Rau was suspended for one game by the WCHA after his late hit on Denver's Jason Zucker on Friday. Rau missed the second game of this weekend's series in Denver.
The Pioneers won Friday's game 5-3. Zucker, a Wild prospect, scored the game-winning goal four minutes into the second period on a power play.
At 6 minutes, 38 seconds, Rau received a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct for hitting Zucker by the team benches. The hit was high and came after Zucker had passed the puck.
Zucker lay on his stomach nearly motionless on the ice for several minutes, then carefully was turned over and eventually went to the dressing room with assistance. He did not return to the game and was hospitalized Friday night as a precaution. About 2 a.m., Zucker tweeted: "Thanks for all the wishes everybody. Feeling better as of now."
Denver announced about three hours before Saturday's game that Zucker would not play but that "he is OK" without disclosing what his injuries are.
The one-game suspension came at midday Saturday after conference officials reviewed the incident under the WCHA's supplementary discipline policy and procedures.
Zucker also missed the last five minutes of the opening period after his chin was cut and started bleeding. The Gophers' Nick Bjugstad caused that injury and received a high-sticking penalty.
Rau and Bjugstad were teammates of Zucker on the U.S. team in the World Junior Championships over the holidays.
