Shawn Thornton is focused on his return to the ice.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman upheld Thornton’s 15-game suspension after the Boston Bruins forward initially appealed it, and Thornton has accepted that ruling and is moving forward. Thornton said Tuesday that he “didn’t want to be a distraction” to his team by dragging the saga out, per NESN’s Jamie Erdahl.
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The NHL suspended Thornton for 15 games “for punching and injuring an unsuspecting opponent, Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins,” during a Dec. 7 game in Boston, according to NHL.com.
Thornton will be able to return Jan. 11 against the San Jose Sharks.
