Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 5, 1993 TAG: 9305050123
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LANDOVER, MD. LENGTH: Medium
The suspension, the longest for an on-ice incident in NHL history, takes effect at the start of next season. Hunter cannot play in exhibition games or practice with the Capitals until two weeks before the suspension ends.
The suspension will cost Hunter about $150,000 in salary. Under league rules, the Capitals also will be fined that amount.
Hunter was penalized for a blindside check on the New York Islanders' Pierre Turgeon in a playoff game April 28. Turgeon had just given New York a 5-1 third-period lead and was raising his arms in celebration when Hunter rammed him into the boards.
Turgeon, the Islanders' leading scorer this season, suffered a separated shoulder that has sidelined him for the Patrick Division finals against Pittsburgh.
"No punishment can undo Hunter's actions or erase the competitive loss by the Islanders," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "And, while there is no shortage of possible penalty formulations, the punishment must severely discipline Hunter and, as important, deter such conduct in the future."
The Capitals won't appeal, but general manager David Poile said: "We feel the suspension is very, very harsh. Obviously, this is not what we were expecting."
Hunter said he regretted his actions but he does not believe they merited such a penalty.
"Deep down, I do not believe it was warranted," he said. "I have spoken to commissioner Bettman, and he has outlined and explained his decision. While I am unhappy with it, I will accept his judgment."
Turgeon said Hunter called him last week to apologize.
When asked if the penalty was strong enough, Islanders general manager Don Maloney said: "If being boiled in oil is the high range and 21 games is the low range, he's within the range."
Keywords:
HOCKEY
by CNB