Ducks forward Shawn Horcoff has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the NHL announced on Tuesday.
The NHL's press release:
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.
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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's release:
“While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process.
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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.”