Bettman upholds Vermette suspension

NEW YORK – The NHL on Saturday upheld the 10-game suspension of Anaheim Ducks centre Antoine Vermette for slashing a linesman. Commissioner Gary Bettman kept the full ban in place but also declined to lengthen it. Vermette will lose US$97,222 in salary.

Vermette slapped his stick against the back of linesman Shandor Alphonso’s legs after losing a faceoff to Minnesota’s Mikko Koivu during the third period of the Ducks’ 1-0 win on Feb. 14. Vermette had a hearing with Bettman on Thursday after appealing the initial suspension. Vermette is eligible to return March 12 against Washington.