New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League handed down its first suspension of the truncated 2013 season on Wednesday.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn was given a one-game ban for an illegal hit against New Jersey defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the second period of a 3-0 Devils win on Tuesday night. No penalty was assessed on the play.
"Having come onto the ice on a line change, Schenn skates down the boards directly towards Volchenkov. Rather than delivering a legal body check, Schenn launches up off the ice prior to contact and into Volchenkov, making contact with Volchenkov's head. This is charging," stated NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan in a video explanation of his ruling.
"While we recognize that sometimes a player's skates come off the ice due to momentum or the impact of a hit, we don't believe this is one of those instances. It's clear how high Schenn is lifted prior to the contact...and makes significant contact to the head to warrant supplemental discipline."
It is the first punitive action taken in the brief NHL career of the 21-year- old native of Saskatoon. He will forfeit $4702.70 in salary which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Schenn is scheduled to miss Thursday's home game against the New York Rangers, and be eligible to return for Saturday's tilt against the Florida Panthers.
