The NHL has suspended Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella for 15 days (six games) without pay for his actions during the first intermission of Saturday’s game against the Calgary Flames.
Tortorella attempted to enter Flames locker room, after the first period of a game that began with a brawl at puck drop.
Flames coach Bob Hartley was fined $25,000 for the incident that took place at the start of the game. Hartley placed his fourth line on the ice in anticipation of a fight.
The NHL released the following statement:
“Mr. Tortorella’s actions in attempting to enter the Calgary Flames locker room after the first period were both dangerous and an embarrassment to the League,” said Colin Campbell, senior vice president of hockey operations, in a statement. “Coaches in the NHL bear the responsibility of providing leadership, even when emotions run high, and Mr. Tortorella failed in his responsibility to the game.”
“Mr. Tortorella’s suspension is retroactive to Sunday and runs through Feb. 2, a total of six games. He is not allowed to have any interaction with the team prior to, during or after games,” the statement said.
Tortorella will not be allowed to have contact with his team before, during or after the six games he will miss.
