On the heels of an earlier TSN report that veteran Anaheim center Shawn Horcoff was facing a “lengthy suspension,” the NHL has released the following:
Horcoff has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
Based on his average annual salary, Horcoff will forfeit $357,526.88.
The National Hockey League will have no further comment on this matter.
Horcoff, 37, becomes the first NHLer to be suspended for PEDs this season. Previously, Maple Leafs forward Carter Ashton and Buffalo center Zenon Konopka had both been banned 20 games each for violating the league’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
Horcoff’s been a regular lineup presence for the Ducks this year, appearing in 45 of 46 games while averaging 13:38 TOI per night. He played just over 10 minutes in Anaheim’s last game, a 4-3 win in Detroit on Saturday.
Based on Anaheim’s schedule, Horcoff won’t be eligible to return until Friday, Mar. 11, when the Ducks take on St. Louis at Scottrade. That could change, however, as the club still needs to make up a date against Washington that was postponed last week due to a severe snowstorm.
Update 1
Statement from Ducks GM 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.”
Update 2
Statement from Horcoff, through the NHLPA:
“While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process.
“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.
“I look forward to the day I return to the ice for the playoff push.”