Ducks' Horcoff suspended 20 games for PED violation
Anaheim Ducks veteran forward Shawn Horcoff was suspended 20 games by the NHL on Tuesday for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance program.
Horcoff issued a statement accepting full responsibility. Via SiriusXM NHL Network:.
"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 honored 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."
Ducks general manager Bob Murray made the following statement to the team's website. Via AnaheimDucks.com:
"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."
Signed to a one-year, $1.75 million deal in the offseason, Horcoff has provided a consistent presence for the Ducks (21-18-7) by playing in 45 of the team's 46 games. The 37-year-old has collected six goals and four assists this season.
A fourth-round pick of the 1998 draft, Horcoff has scored 186 goals and 320 assists in 994 career contests with the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars and Ducks.
