NHL Slaps Dave Brown of Flyers With a Suspension of 15 Games

NEW YORK —  The National Hockey League suspended the Philadelphia Flyers’ Dave Brown for 15 games Monday for cross-checking New York Ranger Tomas Sandstrom in the face during a game Oct 26. It equaled the second-longest suspension in NHL history for a player altercation.

The Boston Bruins’ Eddie Shore was suspended for 16 games in 1933 for hitting Ace Bailey of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Wilf Paiement of the Colorado Rockies was suspended for 15 games in 1978 for swinging his stick at the Detroit Red Wings’ Dennis Polonich.

Sandstrom, a right wing, suffered a concussion and was hospitalized overnight.

It was the second time in eight months that the Flyers’ right wing attacked Sandstrom during a game. Brown received a five-game suspension for high-sticking Sandstrom last March 17.

Ranger General Manager Phil Esposito said the latest penalty is too lenient.

“I am extremely disappointed by the length of the suspension and feel it was not severe enough given the facts,” he said. After being notified of the suspension in Philadelphia, Brown read a short statement to reporters.

“I take full responsibility for what happened,” he said. “This was an unfortunate incident. I’ll abide by Mr. O’Neill’s decision.”

The suspension covers the Flyers’ next 13 games plus games against the Rangers on Dec. 10 and Dec. 22.