Stars' Perry suspended five games after gruesome elbow on Ryan Ellis at Winter Classic

Corey Perry of the Dallas Stars has been suspended five games following his hit to the head of Nashville’s Ryan Ellis on New Years Day at the Winter Classic. Ellis did not return to the game after he was helped off the ice by teammates, and was placed on injured reserve Friday with an upper-body injury.

Karma works in mysterious ways, as Perry will miss his much anticipated return home to Anaheim on Thursday Jan 9. due to the suspension. The 34-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Stars this summer after his 14-year-tenure with the Ducks.

This is Perry’s third suspension from the NHL. He was first given a four-game ban in 2009 after elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux, and again received the same punishment in 2013 after an illegal check on Minnesota’s Jason Zucker.

NHL Player Safety justified the ruling in video, acknowledging Perry’s explanation that the hit was not intended for Ellis’ head, but countered by stating that Perry was “in control of this hit at all times, and solely responsible for the end result.”

Perry’s time with Dallas has produced three goals and 10 assists through 34 games. Ellis, having a career-year with the Predators, was on pace for a 60-point season from the blueline before the injury. The extent and expected duration of his injury were not disclosed.

The Stars defeated the Predators in a 4-2 comeback thriller at the Cotton Bowl.

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