NHL - Ducks owner suspended

Eurosport - Wed, 25 Jun 08:27:00 2008

The NHL have suspended Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli a day after he pleaded guilty to lying to stock exchange regulators.

ICE HOCKEY - Anaheim Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli - 0

Samueli, who pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission, is scheduled to be sentenced by the US Federal District Court on August 18.

His status will be reviewed by the league after sentencing. During the suspension, Samueli is not allowed to be involved in club decisions or activities.

"While Mr. Samueli has been an exemplary owner, we hold NHL personnel to the highest standards and this plea requires the imposition of discipline under league rules," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Samueli said: "I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension.

"I'm confident the team will be in great hands in my absence."

Chief executive officer Michael Schulman will now be responsible for the club's day-to-day activities.

Co-owner Susan Samueli also has advised the NHL she, too, will abide by the terms of her husband's suspension.

Meanwhile the Boston Bruins have signed durable defenseman Mark Stuart to a multi-year contract extension worth a reported $2.6 million over two years and the Carolina Hurricanes have extended the stay of forward Tuomo Ruutu by one year, the deal worth $2.25 million.

Reuters

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