Ducks' Nate Thompson suspended 3 games for hit on Justin Faulk (Video)

Nate Thompson of the Anaheim Ducks was handed a three-game suspension on Monday for his hit on Justin Faulk of the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night.

As Patrick Burke of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety notes, Thompson went about checking Faulk the wrong way. He could have easily gone through the Carolina defenseman’s body, but instead launched himself upward, causing Faulk’s head to be the principle point of contact.

Thompson was ejected from the game for the hit. He’ll also lose $25,806.45 in salary due to the suspension.

“I feel like I’m an honest player,” Thompson said afterward via the Orange County Register. “I’m not a dirty player. It was just one of those things where it happened fast. I wasn’t trying to hit his head. I’ve played with Faulker in the world championships with the U.S. He’s a great guy, great player.

Thompson added that Faulk was "kind of falling forward” when really he was low to the ice after making the pass and, like the DoPS continually reminds, the position of his head did not change leading up to the hit.

Faulk was not injured and did not miss a shift.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy

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