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
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