A difficult season for the Anaheim Ducks continues to get worse. The latest issue facing the NHL's stumbling Anaheim-based franchise involves fourth-line forward Shawn Horcoff. The league has suspended Horcoff 20 games for violating terms of the NHL/NHLPA's performance enhancing substances program. Mike Johnson of TSN was the first to report that Horcoff was facing a "lengthy" suspension for what was being termed an "off-ice issue."
News out of Anaheim, hearing that Shawn Horcoff is facing a lengthy suspension for an off ice issue. Details still coming.
— Mike Johnson (@mike_p_johnson) January 26, 2016
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated that the ban was expected to be 20-games.
Not exactly sure what the story is here...but sounds like 20 games is the suspension https://t.co/ikC2OFK6PA — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 26, 2016
The 37-year-old Horcoff has appeared in 45 games for the Ducks this season, collecting 6 goals and 4 assists. He is able to appeal the suspension, but according to ESPN's Craig Custance, it seems unlikely that he will do so.Per Friedman, the positive test has left Horcoff "devastated."
Horcoff has released a statement regarding the suspension, claiming that he did not know what was in a new treatment he tried this offseason.
Statement from suspended #ducks forward Shawn Horcoff pic.twitter.com/ojr42HMkbC — Michael Russo (@Russostrib) January 26, 2016
As the statement suggests and Custance reported, it's unlikely Horcoff will appeal the suspension.
