TORONTO, ONTARIO – Calgary Flames forward Tom Kostopoulos has been suspended for six games and will forfeit $29,569.92 in salary for delivering a blow to the head of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart in NHL game #609 on January 7, the National Hockey League announced today.
“A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. “Kostopoulos delivered a blow to the head of an unsuspecting and vulnerable player. As well, he targeted the head of his opponent and, while the hit was not from the blindside, the head was the principle point of contact. The fact that Brad Stuart was not in possession of the puck when the blow was delivered and the serious nature of the player’s injury were also considered in my decision.”
Kostopoulos’ fine is based on his average annual salary and is calculated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The incident occurred at 10:07 of the third period. He was assessed a minor penalty for roughing on the play.
Kostopoulos will miss games January 11 at Carolina, January 14 at Ottawa, January 15 at Toronto, January 17 at Montreal, January 19 against Minnesota and January 21 against Dallas. He is eligible to return January 22 at Vancouver.
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