Shawn Thornton was handed one of the biggest suspensions the NHL department of player safety has ever handed out, and the Bruins forward is going to try and have that lowered.
Thornton will appeal his 15-game suspension, the NHLPA announced Monday afternoon.
Thornton was given the 15-game ban over the weekend after his actions in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 7. The Boston enforcer was suspended for attacking Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik and leaving him concussed. The NHL ruled that Thornton attacked an unsuspecting player.
The appeal will go straight to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. If Bettman upholds the suspension, Thornton’s appeal could then be heard by a neutral arbitrator.
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