Mullen suspended.

It is official that Denvers Patrick Mullen has been suspended by the league office for his slash on Mike Connolly.

DENVER – The University of Denver has suspended senior defenseman Patrick Mullen (Pittsburgh, Pa.) one game for his slashing incident that occurred at the end of the Pioneers’ 4-2 loss at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.

Mullen was assessed a five-minute major penalty for slashing and a 10-minute game misconduct penalty at the 20:00 mark of the third period at Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7.

In addition to the suspension, Mullen has met with DU Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ron Grahame and head coach George Gwozdecky to explain his actions and discuss the seriousness of the circumstances.

“A hockey player is responsible for his stick,” Gwozdecky said. “Patrick’s reckless action with his stick at the end of the Duluth game warrants a one-game suspension.”

Mullen, who will serve his one-game suspension at Colorado College on Friday, Feb. 13, will also be required to meet with WCHA Commissioner Bruce McLeod to discuss the incident.

Here is what Denver coach George Gwozdecky had to say about the incident. Interesting selection of words.

"It was a pretty hard swing with the stick," Gwozdecky said. "The action and the intent are two things you have to look at. If you look at what Patrick did immediately after contact was made -- if he was looking at injuring (Connelly) he would've stood there or went after him. But immediately he sprinted down the ice, knowing only a second or two was left in the game. ... No question his intent, as he said, was to deny Connellyl from getting the puck. He went about it the wrong way, but the one thing that was probably in my mind, (the intent was) not worth any further suspsension."