Ducks forward Horcoff suspended for 20 games

Anaheim Ducks forward Shawn Horcoff was suspended for 20 games without pay Tuesday for violating terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the League and the players, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.

"While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process," Horcoff said in a statement. "Although I was unaware that this treatment was not permitted under NHL rules that is no excuse whatsoever. I should have done my research and I should have checked with the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program's doctors. I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I am sorry. Throughout my entire career I have felt genuinely blessed and honored to play the great game of hockey and I regret the impact that this may have on my team and our fans."

Based on the Ducks' current schedule, Horcoff would be eligible to return March 11. However that could change based on when Ducks' Jan. 22 game against the Washington Capitals, which was postponed because of the winter storm that hit the Northeast, is rescheduled.

Said Ducks general manager Bob Murray: "This morning we were made aware of the situation regarding Shawn Horcoff. The Anaheim Ducks organization fully supports the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. We will also continue to support Shawn as a player and person throughout this process. We will have no further comment at this time."

Horcoff, 37, signed with the Ducks on July 3, 2015. He has six goals and four assists in 45 games. In 15 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars and Ducks, he has 186 goals and 506 points in 994 regular-season games.