LANDOVER -- Minnesota North Stars defenseman Derian Hatcher will go before NHL executive vice president Brian F. O'Neill today in Toronto for a hearing into his high-sticking of Washington Capitals right wing Dino Ciccarelli.

"I'm glad the league is taking action so quickly," said Ciccarelli, who received a severe cut near his left eye when he was hit by Hatcher's stick Saturday in Minnesota.

Added Ciccarelli: "I'm not saying he did it on purpose, but there was no excuse for the careless way he swung the stick."