The ECHL Department of Players Safety has announced that Bloomington Bison forward Jackson Leppard has been suspended seven additional games for his actions during Bloomington’s game on December 29th vs Kalamazoo Wings following his hearing with the Department of Players Safety. He already missed Bloomington’s game on New Year’s Eve vs Fort Wayne Komets, but that doesn’t count towards the seven games. Leppard was suspended five games earlier in the season as well. His original suspension was announced on December 30th, but the length was still to be determined. Leppard was on the bench at the 19:20 mark of the third period as he grabbed Luke Salem’s jersey after a fight he was not involved in near the bench, which caused Zach Berzolla to throw fists with Leppard. He will be eligible to return on January 19th when the Bison host the Utah Grizzlies for the final game of a three-in-three series.
Leppard, 24, is in his fourth season in the league as he’s spent time with the Allen Americans, South Carolina Stingrays, and Bloomington Bison. In 217 career games, he’s put up 42 goals and 53 assists, along with 323 minutes in penalties. He’s added three assists in six career Kelly Cup Playoff Games. The North Vancouver native has one goal and two assists for three points this season and has not found the scoresheet since November 17th. Despite not having huge numbers offensively, Leppard brings a lot of physicality, which will be missed while he serves his suspension. For those at home wondering, Bloomington and Kalamazoo will meet six more times this season, with Leppard being eligible to play in the January 26 game in Kalamazoo.
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