Vancouver Canucks defenceman Tucker Poolman has been suspended two games for high-sticking.

The incident happened during Thursday night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche when Poolman swung his stick striking Kiefer Sherwood in the head and neck.

Poolman, who is in his first year with the Canucks, was issued a match penalty for intent to injure — a penalty that carries an automatic suspension pending a hearing.

“This is not a hockey play. This is an intentional and retaliatory stick swing that strikes an opponent directly in the head, and such actions cannot be excused,” the league said in announcing the suspension.