Defenseman Jacob Wilson will miss Arizona State hockey's expected NCAA Tournament debut because of a two-game suspension.

Wilson, a sophomore, is automatically suspended for one game because of a penalty for contact to the head Saturday at Minnesota. He also was given an additional one-game suspension by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, which oversees supplemental discipline for ASU, an independent program.

No. 13 ASU (21-12-1) is projected to be named to the 16-team NCAA Tournament field for the first time on March 24. Wilson will serve his two-game suspension over the next two sanctioned NCAA games including the postseason.

MORE:No. 12 ASU hockey falls again to Minnesota, must wait until March 24 to learn NCAA fate

"The whole situation is unfortunate," ASU coach Greg Powers said. "Jacob is a clean hockey player and plays the game the right way. This won't define him and his reputation. We're certainly sorry for this happening and will work to ensure that our players are educated on situations like these to prevent further incidents."

Wilson received a five-minute major and game disqualification penalty.

"As someone who always respects the game and plays the right way, that one instance does not represent the way myself or my team plays the game," Wilson said. "Anyone that knows me knows I'm not a dirty player. I would never intentionally try to hurt anyone, especially a former teammate. It's a fast game and mistakes are made and I'm now paying for that mistake. I look forward to returning to the ice with my team."

MORE:How ASU hockey is essentially a lock for its first NCAA tournament berth

Reach the reporter at jeff.metcalfe@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8053. gFollow him on Twitter @jeffmetcalfe.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.