Frost Defender Suspended For Illegal Hit On Fleet’s Alina Müller

The Fleet didn’t earn a benefit Wednesday, but the PWHL made a key decision Friday.

Frost defender Maggie Flaherty was suspended two games for an illegal hit on Alina Müller.

Replays from Boston’s 2-1 loss to Minnesota showed Flaherty deliver an elbow to Müller’s head. Officials ruled it a five-minute major penalty. However, after review, it was lowered to a two-minute minor. The Fleet forward didn’t return after the second period hit, and head coach Courtney Kessel urged the league to take another look at it.

“The Player Safety Committee has deemed this action to be unsafe and dangerous,” a PWHL press release read. “Flaherty applied opposite directional force, extended her elbow high with no intention to play the puck, and made contact with the head of an opponent where such contact was avoidable. This is in violation of PWHL Rule 48.”

A five-minute major could have been beneficial for Boston in its home opener, but Kessel’s side will have to move on and look for their first point of the season. The Fleet will take on the New York Sirens on Sunday with full coverage on NESN at 4 p.m. ET.

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