Roenick Suspended 5 Games

Phoenix Coyotes center Jeremy Roenick was suspended for five games by the NHL on Monday for an altercation involving a stick last week against Chicago.

In Phoenix's 3-3 tie at Chicago on Oct. 8, Roenick received a match penalty for slashing Blackhawks right wing Tony Amonte at 2:25 of the third period. Amonte was struck in the face by Roenick's stick, and needed stitches to close the wound.

"Mr. Roenick was reckless with a swing of stick, and an opponent was injured by this dangerous play," NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell said Monday. "As always, players are accountable for the consequences of actions with their sticks."

Roenick already served one game of the suspension Sunday while awaiting the hearing with Campbell. He is eligible to return on Oct. 23 when the Coyotes play Washington.

Based on the league's collective bargaining agreement and his contract, Roenick will forfeit $104,166.67 of his salary during the suspension.

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