Shot to head draws Cote 3-game suspension

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Flyers forward Riley Cote will sit out the next three games as punishment for giving a head shot to the Dallas Stars' Mat Niskanen Saturday.

NHL vice president Colin Campbell announced the suspension Monday after reviewing the tapes, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Tuesday.

Campbell and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also reportedly called Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren and coach Colin Campbell and "put the team on notice" about the incident, the newspaper said.

The call suggested there was concern about the team's direction, as Cote was the fifth Flyers suspension since the preseason for a dangerous head shot to other players, the report said.

Holmgren told reporters during the call, "The question was raised about ramifications if it happens again, so obviously we're under watch."