NEW YORK - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Saturday upheld the 10-game suspension assessed to Anaheim Ducks centre Antoine Vermette for slashing a linesman.
Vermette slapped his stick against the back of linesman Shandor Alphonso’s legs after losing a faceoff to Minnesota’s Mikko Koivu during the third period of the Ducks’ 1-0 win on Feb. 14. Vermette had a hearing with Bettman on Thursday after appealing the initial suspension.
Bettman kept Vermette’s full 10-game ban in place, but also declined to lengthen the suspension. Vermette will lose $97,222 in salary.
Vermette issued a statement expressing remorse for his actions, along with disappointment about the decision.