TORONTO, ONTARIO – New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $68,548.38 for delivering a blow to the head of Carolina Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk in NHL game #802 last night, the National Hockey League announced today.
“While he has not been involved in a supplemental discipline incident previously and it is fortunate that his opponent returned to play in the game, Volchenkov delivered an illegal blow to the head,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell.
The incident occurred at 9:02 of the second period and Volchenkov was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing.
His 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.
Volchenkov will miss the Devils’ next three games — February 10 at Toronto, February 11 vs. San Jose and February 16 vs. Carolina. He is eligible to return February 18 vs. New York Rangers.
In addition, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke has been suspended for four games and will forfeit $87,804.88 for a charging incident involving Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin in NHL game #804 last night, the National Hockey League announced today.
“Two factors were considered in reaching this decision: Cooke delivered a forceful hit from behind on an unsuspecting opponent; also, he is considered a repeat offender under the League’s supplemental discipline rules,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell.
Cooke was suspended for two games on Nov. 28, 2009 and under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement forfeits his salary based on the number of games in the season (82), rather than the number of days (186). The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The incident occurred at 14:42 of the first period and Cooke was assessed a major penalty for charging on the play.
Cooke will miss the Penguins’ next four games — February 10 vs. Los Angeles, February 11 at New York Islanders, February 13 at New York Rangers and February 16 at Colorado. He is eligible to return February 20 at Chicago.
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