New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League handed down its
first suspension of the truncated 2013 season on Wednesday.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn was given a one-game ban for an
illegal hit against New Jersey defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the second
period of a 3-0 Devils win on Tuesday night. No penalty was assessed on the
play.
"Having come onto the ice on a line change, Schenn skates down the boards
directly towards Volchenkov. Rather than delivering a legal body check, Schenn
launches up off the ice prior to contact and into Volchenkov, making contact
with Volchenkov's head. This is charging," stated NHL discipline czar Brendan
Shanahan in a video explanation of his ruling.
"While we recognize that sometimes a player's skates come off the ice due to
momentum or the impact of a hit, we don't believe this is one of those
instances. It's clear how high Schenn is lifted prior to the contact...and
makes significant contact to the head to warrant supplemental discipline."
It is the first punitive action taken in the brief NHL career of the 21-year-
old native of Saskatoon. He will forfeit $4702.70 in salary which goes to the
Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Schenn is scheduled to miss Thursday's home game against the New York Rangers,
and be eligible to return for Saturday's tilt against the Florida Panthers.
The Sports Network