AHL Coach Bob Nardella Suspended 10 Games for Using Anti-Gay Language Toward Ref

The American Hockey League has suspended Chicago Wolves head coach Bob Nardella 10 games for using anti-gay language toward a referee, the league announced Tuesday.

"The American Hockey League is committed to building a culture that is safe, inclusive and free from abuse, harassment and all forms of unethical behavior or misconduct," the league said in a statement. "During the suspension, Nardella will be permitted to participate in team practices on non-game days; he will be eligible to return to the Wolves bench on Jan. 6."

The incident occurred during Saturday's game between the Wolves and Texas Stars. Texas won the game 8-5.

Nardella was assessed a game misconduct for abuse of officials during the third period of Saturday's game.

Wolves forward Dominic Franco has also been suspended one game "as a consequence of his actions" during the matchup, the American Hockey League's Player Safety Committee announced.

Franco was assessed his second game misconduct of the season for abuse of officials, which warrants a one-game suspension under the AHL rule book.

The Wolves dropped to 5-13-1-1 on the season with Saturday's loss and they sit last in the Central Division with just 12 points, which is the worst mark in the league.

Chicago hired Nardella as the 13th head coach in franchise history in June after he spent six seasons as an assistant. He also spent nine seasons playing for the Wolves in the '90s and early 2000s, winning the 1998 and 2000 Turner Cups and the 2002 Calder Cup.

Franco, 27, is in his first season with the Wolves. He has notched two goals and one assist in 20 games.

The Wolves are the only independent team in the AHL and do not have an NHL affiliate.