London Knights forward Sawyer Boulton has been assessed a 10 game suspension for his head check on Bryce McConnell-Barker.

London Knights forward — and brother of Ryder Boulton — Sawyer has been assessed a ten game suspension for a head check on Soo Greyhounds player Bryce McConnell-Barker.

Here is a visual of the check that resulted in Boulton's suspension:

This head check seemed pretty blindsided, though McConnell-Barker was driving through the middle of the ice. Boulton was clearly intending to make contact with McConnell-Barker's head, and followed through with his arm and elbow.

Sawyer Boulton received a five-minute major penalty on this play, which was later reviewed by the league and awarded a ten game suspension. 

A ten game suspension is rare in today's OHL. We see a lot of 2-3 game suspensions in post-whistle scrums and blind sided hits. 

Sawyer Boulton will not suit up for the Knights for at least ten games.

Bryce McConnel-Barker did not suit up for the Soo Greyhounds last night against the North Bay Battalion, which likely means that he will miss some time due to the hit.

He did spend some time down on the ice before he was able to get up, favouring his head.

Boulton — the heavy, 19-year-old forward — plays a depth role for London, alongside his brother Ryder Boulton. Ryder Boulton is eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft, but also doesn't play many minutes. 

Sawyer Boulton began this season playing in the NAHL for the Rochester Jr. Americans, before joining the Knights for the past 18 games. He has two points and 33 penalty minutes through those games.