Connolly to have hearing for interference on Kero

Chicago Blackhawks winger Brett Connolly will have a hearing for interference after his hit on Dallas Stars forward Tanner Kero on Saturday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.

Officials handed Connolly a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct after he plowed into Kero near the boards early in the first period. Kero laid on the ice while the Stars' medical staff attended to him, and they eventually took him off on a stretcher.

Dallas later said Kero was conscious, alert, and responsive. He'll be hospitalized as a precaution and for further evaluation.

Stars forward Joe Pavelski fought back tears postgame while discussing his teammate.

Joe Pavelski when asked about Tanner Kero, who left the game in the first period after a scary hit. https://t.co/id8ulQECGf pic.twitter.com/db6K4O6Ch6

- Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) December 19, 2021

Kero is in his second season with the Stars after playing parts of three campaigns with the Blackhawks.

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