New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League handed down a
two-game suspension to San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe on Monday.
Clowe had been suspended indefinitely on Saturday pending a hearing, which
was called as a result of his actions at the end of Friday's 2-1 loss to the
Blackhawks in Chicago.
The 30-year-old was assessed a minor for roughing and a game misconduct after
leaving the bench to start a skirmish with Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw as
time expired.
Upon further review of the incident by NHL director of player safety Brendan
Shanahan, it was determined that Clowe entered the ice on a legal line change.
Failure to have done so would have resulted in an automatic 10-game suspension
and $10,000 fine.
However, upon doing so, Clowe skated directly to Shaw, who was not engaged
physically with any other player. He then grabbed Shaw and wrestled him to
the ice.
Clowe had been fined twice previously for illegal actions, but never
suspended. He will forfeit $39,189.18 in salary, which goes to the Players'
Emergency Assistance Fund.
After serving one game of the ban in Saturday's 3-1 loss in Dallas, Clowe will
finish the suspension by sitting out Tuesday's home game against Colorado and
then be eligible to return on Thursday, when San Jose hosts Detroit.
The Sports Network