Arizona Coyotes forward Jason Zucker was suspended three games by the National Hockey League on Wednesday night for associating with Nick Cousins of the Florida Panthers last Tuesday.
Watch the unsightly gesture in the video above.
“This is a check from behind to a defenseless player,” the league emphasizes in its explanatory video.
Zucker was never fined or suspended throughout his career, which is a mitigating factor.
However, Zucker's victim, Cousins, was injured in the footage and is suffering from a concussion, a fact that does not help the attacker's case.
Zucker, 31, has 12 points, including six goals, in 29 games this season.
He will be eligible to play again on Jan. 11 when the Coyotes host the Calgary Flames at Mullett Arena.