Suspended Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton's hopes for a Christmas miracle were dashed when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday that he has decided to uphold the tough guy's 15-game suspension, leaving Thornton with a seven day window to contact an independent arbitrator or just take the suspension.
Thornton and Bettman met Friday in New York, ESPN reports, and Bettman has ruled that he will uphold the suspension after Thornton received a match penalty for attacking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Brooks Orpik during a game on Dec. 7 at the TD Garden in Boston.
Following the attack, Orpik was stretchered off the ice and received a concussion after Thornton slew-footed him and punched him twice in the head. On Dec. 13, Thornton had an in-person hearing with the league's department of player safety before vice president for player's safety Brendan Shanahan handed down the punishment the following day.
Thornton then appealed the decision on Dec. 17 before meeting with Bettman on Friday, according to ESPN.
"I find that there is clear and convincing evidence to support Mr. Shanahan's conclusion that a suspension of 15 games is appropriate," Bettman said in a statement, per ESPN. "There is no question that the conduct was improper, intentional and involved the use of excessive and unnecessary force.
Bettman continued: "Simply put, this was a bad act with a bad result, and neither will be tolerated in our game. Again, I note that Mr. Thornton has a reputation for being a 'good actor' and a model NHL citizen, but that does not eliminate the need for him to be punished appropriately for his bad act in this case."
Thornton won't be eligible to return until a Jan. 11 game against the San Jose Sharks and will forfeit $84,615.45 in salary. The Bruins and Penguins don't meet again in the regular season this year.
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