Ducks' Pronger suspended for eight games

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger has been suspended for eight games for stomping on the leg of Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, the NHL said on Saturday.

The incident occurred during Anaheim's 4-1 victory on Wednesday after Pronger became entangled with Kesler, who had fallen to the ice.

As he broke free, Pronger stomped on the left calf of Kesler.

"In attempting to free himself, Pronger carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down," said Colin Campbell, NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations said in a statement.

There was no injury to Kesler and no penalty was assessed.

The 33-year-old Pronger, who is considered a repeat offender due to his previous suspensions, will forfeit nearly $610,000 in salary, the league said.

Pronger will be eligible to return on April 6 when the Ducks host the Phoenix Coyotes.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by John Mehaffey)