Ducks' Pronger Suspended Eight Games

[gauros]

NEW YORK/TORONTO - Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger has been suspended for eight games, without pay, for acting carelessly and recklessly in an incident against the Vancouver Canucks in NHL Game #1062 on March 12.

The incident occurred after Pronger became entangled with Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, who had fallen to the ice.

"In attempting to free himself, Pronger carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down," said Colin Campbell, NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations.

There was no injury to Kesler, and no penalty was assessed.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Pronger is considered a repeat offender. He will forfeit $609,756.08 in salary. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Pronger will be eligible to return Sunday, April 6, against the Phoenix Coyotes.

[McDonald19]

Ducks won each time Pronger was suspended in last years playoffs. I think they will rally around this and go at least 6-2 in the 8 games.

[Kingdog819]

Even though I am a huge Ducks fan, I feel that this was warrented here, him being suspended that is. That kind of beahvior should not be tolerated at any level and is just plain dirty imo.

[Corpse]

Seems fair to me as far as the length goes. I can see where Pronger haters and Simon lovers will be outraged but there was never a doubt is was not going to be anywhere close to his punishment.

[dumby]

sounds fair to me, now how about the punishment for fighting lil dan cleary awhile back ??

[redwings89]

sounds fair to me aswell 0 games in my opinion would have been an outrage

[gauros]

Originally Posted by dumby

sounds fair to me, now how about the punishment for fighting lil dan cleary awhile back ??

Yeah ok cry about it. Lil cleary challenged him becase pronger crosschecked him

[wolf1]

I was expecting up to half of Simon's suspension, but this will work.....

[jayc948]

From Brian Burke/Chris Pronger:

"We understand the NHL's determination to reduce skate-blade incidents and accept the process and Mr. Campbell's judgment," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. "We also stand behind our captain, a player with great character and leadership qualities that are critical to our club.

"I'd like to apologize to Ryan Kesler, the Vancouver Canucks, my teammates and the National Hockey League for my actions last Wednesday night," said Pronger. "While I did not intend to injure Ryan, I respect the league's decision on this matter and look forward to returning to the ice and leading my teammates into the playoffs."

[Snipes19]

This seems fair to me.

Pronger is a good player - but a dirty one at that as well. He's had a history of cheap shots and elbows like this, so he deserves this suspension.

Eight games seems reasonable, and I'm actually glad he got it because I'm not a big fan of the guy.

[smichaels10]

Originally Posted by dumby

sounds fair to me, now how about the punishment for fighting lil dan cleary awhile back ??

Cleary did okay. He got a nice black eye but I never saw where a punch landed.

[Sukoshi84]

Fair punishment, the ducks have done well with him out so far since hes been there

[Machinehead2k5]

Originally Posted by Sukoshi84

Fair punishment, the ducks have done well with him out so far since hes been there

Why don't they dump his salary and sign someone younger and is good on D then?


I'm happy he got suspended. I was hoping for a 10-15 game suspension though but this will suffice.

[canuckfan]

I was hoping for 10+, but I won't go on the warpath over this. Considering Pronger's status in the league as an MVP and top d-man, then 8 is probably the reasonable amount I should have expected all along. All in all, I suppose I'm satisfied enough with it.

[Sam1410]

I said 10 last night after seeing the replay so 8 is about right to me. I can see Simon's point that guys are treated different - yeah no sh!t. A third line player never gets the same calls as Crosby or Ovie - that's life. Simon also got his suspension right after returning from a 25 game suspension.