Thornton suspended 15 games for Orpik incident

NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton has been suspended for 15 games, without pay, for punching an unsuspecting opponent, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, and causing a serious injury during NHL Game No. 438 in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 7, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 11:06 of the first period. Thornton was assessed a match penalty for violating NHL Rule 46.15.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Thornton will forfeit $84,615.45. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=510247&lang=en