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Drew Stafford suspended one game for Nick Holden high-stick (Video)

Winnipeg Jets forward Drew Stafford was suspended one game by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for high-sticking Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden in a Saturday game.

The play occurred at the 15:15 mark of the second period.

“As the whistle blows, Stafford recklessly spins around with his stick extended, driving his stick forcefully into Holden’s face,” said the Department of Player Safety in the above video. “While accept Stafford's assertion that he did not intentionally strike Holden in the face, he is responsible for the consequences of swinging his stick in such a forceful and reckless fashion.”

Holden was cut on the play, but did return. Below is a photo of Holden after he came back.

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 6: Nick Holden #2 of the Colorado Avalanche returns after leaving to receive multiple stitches on the bridge of his nose during the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Pepsi Center on February 6, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Jets defeated the Avalanche 4-2. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 6: Nick Holden #2 of the Colorado Avalanche returns after leaving to receive multiple stitches on the bridge of his nose during the game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Pepsi Center on February 6, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Jets defeated the Avalanche 4-2. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Stafford was given a four-minute double-minor for high-sticking. He also scored two goals and added an assist for his third three-point game of the season in Winnipeg’s 4-2 win over the Avalanche. Holden also received a hooking penalty on the play.

Stafford had never been suspended or fined in his 638 game NHL career. He has 16 goals, 12 assists and 18 penalty minutes in 49 games played.

Stafford will sit for Winnipeg’s Tuesday game at the St. Louis Blues and forfeit $23,387.10.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!