Coyotes' Jarred Tinordi suspended 20 games for banned substance
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jarred Tinordi has been suspended for 20 games without pay for violating terms of the NHL's performance-enhancing substances program.
The NHL announced the suspension Wednesday.
Tinordi says in a statement released by the NHL Players' Association that he did not knowingly take a banned substance but accepts responsibility for failing a drug test. He did not identify the drug.
"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."
Coyotes general manager Don Maloney also address the matter in a prepared statement:
"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."
Tinordi was acquired by the Coyotes in January in a series of trades that sent enforcer John Scott to Montreal.
He has 17 penalty minutes in 10 games with the Canadiens and Coyotes this season. The Coyotes have 16 games remaining this season, to the suspension would carry over to the start of next season.
