Kostopoulos suspended 3 games for hit on Toronto's Van Ryn
Sports Network | November 10, 2008
New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League handed down a three-game suspension to Montreal Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos on Monday for his actions during Saturday's 6-3 loss in Toronto.
Early in the first period, Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Van Ryn chased down a dump-in and was rammed face-first into the end boards from behind by Kostopoulos.
The 29-year-old London, Ontario, native suffered a concussion, a broken nose and broken hand as a result. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher, and is expected to be out about one month.
Kostopoulos, 29, was given a roughing minor, a boarding major and a game misconduct.
"First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn," Kostopoulos said. "This is an unfortunate turn of events. I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn't anticipate him turning and couldn't stop. I was trying to finish my check and obviously it did not end up well. I never intended on injuring another player. I feel bad. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible."
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Kostopoulos is considered a repeat offender and will forfeit $32,926 in salary.
