Former Trail Smoke Eater and Castlegar resident Shawn Horcoff has been suspended from the NHL for violating the NHL’s performance enhancing substances program.
Tuesday afternoon, the NHL announced that Horcoff, forward for the Anaheim Ducks, was being suspended without pay for 20 games. Based on his average annual salary, the NHL says he’ll forfeit $357,526.88.
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Horcoff will receive a mandatory referral to the NHL’s program for substance abuse and behavioral health, for evaluation and possible treatment.
Following the announcement, Horkoff issued a statement through the National Hockey League Players’ Association:
“While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process. 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 honoured 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.”
Bob Murray, executive vice president and general manager for the Ducks, also made a statement: “This morning we were made aware of the situation regarding Shawn Horcoff. The Anaheim Ducks organization fully supports the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program. We will also continue to support Shawn as a player and person throughout this process. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Horcoff, 37, has had six goals and four assists so far this season, and 186 goals, 320 assists and four playoff appearances in a 15-season NHL career, playing with the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks.