Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde has been suspended by the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety for two games for elbowing Blackhawks’ captain Jonathan Toews. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 16, at 19:30 of the first period. VandeVelde was assessed a two minute minor penalty or elbowing when he drove Toews into the boards. VandeVelde’s elbow came up high and knocked Jonathan Toews in the side of the head.
Flyers’ Chris VandeVelde Suspended Two Games for Elbowing Blackhawks’ Toews
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Chris VandeVelde will forfeit $7,661.30 between the two games, with the money going to the Player’s Emergency Assistance Fund. VandeVelde reached out to Toews via text message to apologize and make sure there were no harsh feelings. In response, the Blackhawks Captain said, “Don’t worry about it. Everything is going to be okay.”
Jonathan Toews did not sustain any notable injury and was back in the lineup immediately. VandeVelde is set to make his return from suspension on Tuesday, March 22nd when the Flyers take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chris VandeVelde has 2 goals and 11 assists in 69 games played this season.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 05: Chris VandeVelde #76 of the Philadelphia Flyers takes the puck in the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 5, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
