Boulerice suspended 25 games by the NHL

NEW YORK, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Flyers forward Jesse Boulerice Friday was hit with a 25-game suspension for cross-checking Vancouver's Ryan Kesler across the face.

The hit occurred late in the third period of the Flyers' 8-2 win Wednesday night.

Boulerice, who will not be paid during the suspension, received a match penalty for "deliberate injury of an opponent."

"This was more than a careless and reckless play, it was senseless," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell on the league's Web site. "Boulerice went out of his way to deliver the cross-check and we will not tolerate this kind of conduct."

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Boulerice will forfeit $63,502.75, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Boulerice will be eligible to return Dec. 13 at Montreal.

Last month, teammate Steve Downie was suspended 20 games for leaving his feet to deliver a check on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond.