Estevan Bruins defenceman Nolan Jones has been suspended 11 games for a blow to the head on La Ronge Ice Wolves forward Holden Knights.

The incident happened late in the Bruins 5-2 loss to the Ice Wolves on Tuesday in Warman, Sask. at the SJHL Showcase.

The suspension leaves a void on the back-end for the Bruins, as Jones was an assistant captain, top defenceman, and was playing big minutes early in the season.

Jones won't be eligible to return until the calendar flips to November.

The Bruins host the Weyburn Red Wings tonight at Affinity Place.