Blackhawks' Duncan Keith waives in-person hearing, will have phone hearing Friday

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith has waived his right for an in-person hearing, and will have a phone hearing Friday afternoon, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced late Thursday night.

Keith was given five-minute major penalty and a match penalty for intent to injure for high-sticking Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle during the Blackhawks' 4-1 loss to the Wild on Tuesday. Keith is suspended indefinitely for the match penalty.

Keith was offered an in-person hearing Wednesday, meaning he could be suspended six games or more.

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The incident occurred at 9 minutes, 27 seconds of the first period.  Keith swung his stick with his right hand and connected with the face of Coyle, who left the game with a cut across the bridge of his nose. Coyle received medical treatment then returned before missing a shift.

Keith, 32, has nine goals and 34 assists this season.

It will be the third suspension Keith will serve. He served a one-game suspension during the 2013 Western Conference Final for a high-sticking infraction against the Los Angeles' Kings Jeff Carter in Game 3, and five games for elbowing Vancouver Canucks' forward Daniel Sedin in 2012.

Blackhawks' remaining schedule