NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday he has upheld the 15-game suspension for Bruins forward Shawn Thornton, according to an ESPN.com report.
Thornton now can appeal to an independent arbitrator.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday he has upheld the 15-game suspension for Bruins forward Shawn Thornton, according to an ESPN.com report.
Thornton now can appeal to an independent arbitrator.
Bruins forward Shawn Thornton on Monday appealed his 15-game suspension for attacking and injuring Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik on Dec. 7, according to the NHLPA and Thornton's agent.
The next step for Thornton will be an appeal hearing with commissioner Gary Bettman at a date to be determined, followed by Bettman's decision.
Bruins forward Shawn Thornton was given a 15-game suspension by the NHL for attacking Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik during a Dec. 7 game at TD Garden, TSN reported Saturday.
Because Thornton was assessed a match penalty for the incident, he by rule has missed the Bruins' past three games while he awaited Friday's disciplinary hearing in New York.
Penguins forward James Neal has been suspended five games for kneeing Bruins forward Brad Marchand in the head during the Bruins' win Saturday at TD Garden, according to an ESPN.com report.
Brendan Shanahan, the NHL's senior VP of player safety, announced the suspension on Monday afternoon.