Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Downie's 20-game suspension upheld

The American Hockey League on Tuesday voted to unanimously uphold the 20-game suspension levied against Norfolk Admirals forward Steve Downie.

Last Thursday, the AHL had suspended Downie for deliberately striking an official with his stick, but the Admirals, with the support of parent club Tampa Bay, appealed the decision.

Late in the third period of the Admirals' game against the Hershey Bears on February 28, Downie whacked linesman Mike Hamilton before a face-off. Downie was given a game misconduct at the time, then suspended indefinitely for the infraction.

According to Rule 41.2, any player who deliberately strikes an official, or intended to cause harm to an official, automatically draws a suspension lasting no less than 20 games.

The penalty is still in effect from the date of the original ruling, meaning the 21-year-old is not eligible to return until April 11.

It is the second time in his brief professional career that Downie has incurred a suspension of this length. He had to serve a 20-game penalty in 2007, stemming from an incident during a Flyers-Senators pre-season game in September of that year, when he launched himself at Ottawa forward Dean McAmmond, causing the veteran forward to suffer a concussion.

In 29 NHL games with the Flyers and the Lightning this season, Downie has three goals and three assists.

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