Salei, Trepanier, McKenzie suspended

NHL teams

By handing down stiff suspensions it is obvious that NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell wants to send a strong message to the players.

Salei shoved Modano head first into the boards snapping his head back. Modano was motionless on the ice for five minutes before being carried out on a stretcher with a neck brace.

"This was a dangerous act by Mr. Salei against an opponent who was in a vulnerable position and unable to defend himself," said Campbell. "Everyone connected with hockey knows that a hit or a push from behind on a player is an extremely dangerous play and can result in serious injury. We were fortunate that Mr. Modano was not more severely injured."

Trepanier was suspended for elbowing Stars center Joe Nieuwendyk in the third period. He also was ejected after receiving a major boarding penalty.

"Our stance against hits to the head remains very much in place," Campbell said. "Such behavior will not be tolerated."

McKenzie received his suspension for beating Dallas defenseman Darryl Sydor, who didn't fight back. Sydor suffered a fractured left eye socket.

The suspensions are without pay under terms of the NHL's collective bargaining agreement and Salei loses $109,756, Trepanier forfeits $9,766 and McKenzie coughs up $12,760.