The National Hockey League announced Wednesday that they have suspended Coyotes defenseman Jarred Tinordi 20 games without pay for a violation of the league’s Performance Enhancing Substances Program. As a part of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, he will also be required to enter the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
Jarred Tinordi (@ArizonaCoyotes) suspended for 20 games. pic.twitter.com/fXue03BIJJ
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2016
“Late yesterday afternoon, we were made aware of the situation regarding Jarred Tinordi. The Arizona Coyotes organization fully supports the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. We will also continue to support Jarred throughout this process. We will have no further comment at this time.” Coyotes general manager DonMaloney said on the matter.
The National Hockey Players Association also issued a statement on behalf of Tinordi.
“I am extremely disappointed that I failed a test under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. I did not knowingly take a banned substance. I understand, however, that I am responsible for what enters my body as a professional athlete and I accept the suspension. I will work hard towards my return to the ice and will learn from this frustrating setback.”
In seven games for the Coyotes, his last being on March 3rd, Tinordi is a -2 and averages about 14:49 of ice time to go along with his 12 penalty minutes. He was acquired by the Coyotes in mid-January in a three-team trade that included the Montreal Canadiens and the Nashville Predators.
Tinordi has played in a total 54 games in the National Hockey League. He has 6 assists and a total of 78 penalty minutes. With only 16 games remaining in the season and the Coyotes unlikely to make the postseason, Tinordi has seen his last bit of action this year. He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
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