Coyotes’ Anthony DeAngelo suspended 3 games for physical abuse of officials
Jan 1, 2017, 6:33 PM | Updated: Jan 2, 2017, 8:08 am
Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan, right, watches an Anthony DeAngelo shot score on Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The NHL has suspended Arizona Coyotes rookie Anthony DeAngelo three games for physical abuse of an official.
The defenseman attempted to shove linesman David Brisebois’ arms off him while arguing with the official Saturday night in a 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames in Calgary. The action earned DeAngelo a game misconduct Saturday before the league came down with the multi-game suspension.
According to NHL Rule 40, a player who “deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall receive a game misconduct penalty,” while Rule 40.4 specifies a player “who deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall be suspended for not less than three (3) games.”
DeAngelo was being escorted away from a scrum with Calgary’s Sam Bennett at the end of the second period when the player reacted to Brisebois.
DeAngelo, who has three goals and nine points in 20 games, was suspended twice in juniors for verbal abuse (of a teammate and an official, respectively) and will forfeit $14,388.90, which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Coyotes acquired the puck-moving, right-handed defenseman in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on the second day of the NHL Draft in June, seeing immense potential in the 2014 first-round pick. At the time of the trade, GM John Chayka acknowledged DeAngelo’s past.
“It’s always a concern but we thought the risk was worth it at that point,” Chayka said. “He’s a young kid. He’s made some mistakes or done some things, but we’re willing to work with him. We think strongly that he’s a good person.”
DeAngelo will be eligible to return Jan. 13 when the Coyotes host the Winnipeg Jets. He is able to practice with the Coyotes while he serves the suspension.
