Gary Bettman Upholds Shawn Thornton’s Suspension
Published at(NEW YORK) — On Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld Boston Bruins’ forward Shawn Thornton 15-game suspension after the decisions was appealed.
Thornton received a match penalty for attacking Pittsburgh Penguins’ Brooks Orpik during a stoppage of play back on Dec 7.
Orpik wound up suffering a concussion and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Thornton had appealed the decision back on Dec. 17.
“Simply put, this was a bad act with a bad result, and neither will be tolerated in our game. Again, I note that Mr. Thornton has a reputation for being a ‘good actor’ and a model NHL citizen, but that does not eliminate the need for him to be punished appropriately for his bad act in this case,” Bettman said.
The 36-year-old Thornton is in his 11th NHL season, and seventh season with the Bruins.
Thornton will forfeit over $84,000 in salary during his suspension, and is eligible to return to the team on Jan. 11.
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