Shawn Horcoff Suspended 20 Games: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The National Hockey League suspended Anaheim Ducks center Shawn Horcoff for 20 games Tuesday after he violated the performance-enhancing substance program.  

Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register passed along the news. Frank Seravalli of TSN Sports noted the forward will lose more than $350,000 in salary as a result of the suspension.

Yahoo Sports provided the official league statement:

Craig Custance of ESPN The Magazine reported no appeal is expected. He also relayed comments from Horcoff about the situation:

Ducks general manager Bob Murray released a statement through the team's official site:

"

This morning we were made aware of the situation regarding Shawn Horcoff. The Anaheim Ducks organization fully supports the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. We will also continue to support Shawn as a player and person throughout this process. We will have no further comment at this time.

"

Horcoff, 37, is playing his first season in Anaheim. He spent the first 12 years of his career with the Edmonton Oilers before a two-year stint with the Dallas Stars.

The veteran forward has spent most of his time in the Ducks' bottom six. He's tallied 10 points (six goals and four assists) in 45 games while averaging just over 13 minutes and 30 seconds in ice time.

Although his overall role has been limited, his absence does create a void on the penalty kill. It could thrust Patrick Maroon and Nate Thompson into more special teams work for the time being.

If Horcoff does accept the punishment, as Custance reported, he'll be available to return March 11 when the Ducks face off with the St. Louis Blues.