Pronger Suspended 4 Games

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

December 19, 1998 / 7:59 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger was suspended four games Saturday by the NHL for slashing Phoenix's Jeremy Roenick.

Pronger drew a match penalty Thursday for attempting to injure Roenick with his stick in the opening minute of the second period.

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"Mr. Pronger swung his stick in an extremely reckless and dangerous manner, and his stick made contact with the Phoenix player's head," said Colin Campbell, the NHL senior vice president and director of hockey operations. "Deliberate blows to the head will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

Pronger's suspension was to begin Saturday against Los Angeles. He also will miss games against the Islanders, New Jersey and Detroit.

Pronger forfeits $66,145.83 in salary for the suspension.