Defenseman Matt Nickerson was suspended 20 games and had his contract terminated by the Elite Ice Hockey League's Milton Keynes Lightning after punching a fan.

The incident occurred Sunday during a game against the Guildford Flames.

Nickerson had already received a match penalty for abuse of officials when he took a swing at the fan while leaving the ice.

"Ice hockey is a family sport and it is unacceptable that at any time supporters are threatened or made to feel unsafe," the Lightning said in a statement. "As a club we do not condone what happened and Matt has been held accountable for his actions by both the Elite League Department of Player Safety and by the club."

Nickerson was drafted 99th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2003, but never played in an NHL game.

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