Blackhawks D Keith waives right to in-person hearing

CHICAGO - Blackhawks star defenceman Duncan Keith has waived his right to an in-person hearing for high-sticking Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced late Thursday night that Keith will have a phone hearing instead on Friday afternoon.

The offer for an in-person hearing meant the league can suspend Keith more than five games, but it doesn't have to. Chicago has five regular-season games remaining, starting with Friday's visit to Winnipeg.

After being knocked onto his back during the first period of Chicago's game Tuesday at Minnesota, Keith lifted his stick into Coyle's face. He was given a 10-minute match penalty, an immediate ejection.

Coyle needed stitches to close a cut on his nose, which wasn't broken.