Niedermayer Suspended For Ten Games

NHL teams

"Mr. Niedermayer is a first-time offender, a factor that was considered -- as were all the elements of the incident," said Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive vice president and director of hockey operations. "That consideration does not change the essential point here: A player has to be held accountable for striking an opponent on the head with his stick. We are determined to eliminate the irresponsible use of the stick from our game."

The suspension will cost Niedermayer $152,343.74, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident took place with 1:45 left in the Devils' 5-2 victory over the Panthers on Sunday night. Worrell appeared to have elbowed Niedermayer, who immediately retaliated by taking his stick and hitting Worrell off the top of the helmet.

Worrell didn't seem to be hurt, but later complained about headache and nausea and sat out Tuesday night's game against the Rangers.

"You know, I don't really care if he got suspended," Worrell said. "I don't really go out hoping that will happen. I would prefer if this whole thing didn't happen in the first place."

Niedermayer apologized to Worrell on Monday and anticipated a suspension.

"I deserve something, no doubt about it," Niedermayer said. "It was a stupid play and I deserve to be suspended. It was ugly. It wasn't the right thing to do. It's something I can't take back."