NEW YORK – Philadelphia Flyers forward Jody Shelley has been suspended for the remainder of the preseason and five regular-season games and will forfeit $67,073.15 in salary for a hit from behind to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darryl Boyce during a preseason game on September 21, National Hockey League Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan announced today.
Shelley, who was suspended twice last season for a total of four games, is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, he forfeits his salary based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (185). The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The incident occurred at 12:34 of the second period. Shelley was assessed a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct.
“Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass,” Shanahan said. “Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither.
“Shelley’s two suspensions last season weighed heavily in this decision.”
Shelley will miss preseason games tonight vs. Detroit, Sept. 23 at Detroit, Sept. 26 vs. the New York Rangers, Sept. 29 vs. New Jersey and Oct. 1 at New Jersey. He also will miss regular-season games Oct. 6 at Boston, Oct. 8 at New Jersey, Oct. 12 vs. Vancouver, Oct. 15 vs. Los Angeles and Oct. 18 at Ottawa. He is eligible to return Oct. 20 vs.
Washington.
For a full explanation of Shanahan’s decision, complete with video, log onto NHL.com.
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