WCHA suspends Alaska’s Erickson, LSSU equipment manager Prucha for separate incidents

The WCHA announced Tuesday a pair of suspensions, stemming from separate incidents this past weekend.

Alaska senior forward Josh Erickson has been suspended one game, while Lake Superior State equipment manager Paul Prucha has been suspended for two games. Both suspensions will be in effect for their respective institution’s next Division I games.

Erickson’s suspension is a result of his game misconduct infraction for hitting from behind, which occurred at the 9:05 mark of the third period in Alaska’s game of Saturday, Feb. 18 vs. Lake Superior State. Upon review, the hit was delivered in a manner that warranted the suspension.

Alaska’s next scheduled game is Friday, Feb. 24 at Alaska Anchorage. Erickson is eligible to return for the Nanooks’ Saturday, Feb. 25 contest against the Seawolves.

Prucha violated the WCHA Code of Conduct policies for his actions toward an opposing student-athlete immediately following the post-game handshake after Lake Superior State’s game of Friday, Feb. 17 at Alaska.

Lake Superior State’s next two scheduled games are Feb. 24-25 against Ferris State. Prucha would be eligible to resume his game-night duties for the Lakers beginning with the quarterfinal round of the 2017 WCHA playoffs, should LSSU advance.