Horcoff suspension
The 37-year-old center was suspended under the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and he will not appeal the suspension. His apology was posted on the NHL Player’s Association website and in it he claims he was unaware he was taking a banned PED.
“While recovering from an injury I suffered this past fall, I tried a treatment that I believed would help speed up the healing process.” Horcoff wrote. “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,” he added. “I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I am sorry.”
Ducks lose center
A former Edmondon Oiler and Dallas Star, Horcoff has six goals and four assists this season and has 186 goals, 320 assists and 506 points in 994 NHL games. It is his first season with Anaheim.
In his press release he also said he has “felt genuinely blessed and honored to play the great game of hockey” and regrets any impact his use of a banned substance might have on his team and the Ducks’ fans.
In a dogfight for a playoff spot, the Ducks will not have Horcoff back until there are but 16 games left in the schedule in early March. “I look forward to the day I return to the ice for the playoff push,” he said.
The suspension is without pay so he’ll lose US$357,526.88.
