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Anaheim Ducks Veteran Shawn Horcoff Suspended 20 Games For PED Use

By Griffin Foster

Nov 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Shawn Horcoff (22) is congratualted after scoring during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Shawn Horcoff (22) is congratualted after scoring during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Anaheim Ducks veteran center Shawn Horcoff has been suspended 20 games for PED use.

Just as the Anaheim Ducks creep closer to full health, the NHL announced that Ducks veteran center Shawn Horcoff has been suspended 20 games for performance enhancing drug use.

The announcement came this morning and it was a bit of a shocker. Horcoff has played in nearly every game for the Ducks so far this season and he has been instrumental in their bottom six forward group.

Horcoff released a statement via the NHLPA and he claimed that an injury he suffered last fall caused him to take a different route in treatment. He ended up using a substance that unbeknown to him, was banned by the NHL. Horcoff took full responsibility for his actions saying, “that is no excuse whatsoever.” It appears that Horcoff will not appeal this matter.

This situation is similar to another veteran that was recently suspended, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Like Horcoff, Gates used a banned substance when treating an injury. Both veterans were unaware of the substance being banned and both were accepting of their punishments. Gates was suspended 4 games, 25% of the NFL season. Horcoff has been suspended 20 games, 24.4% of the NHL season. Similar cases for the veterans, a very tough break for both as well.

Horcoff is eligible to return on March 11th when the Ducks face the St. Louis Blue (depending on the re-scheduled game against the Capitals).

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Horcoff has centered the third line for most of the season and has 6 goals and 10 points in 45 games. Horocff also has a shorthanded goal and 2 of his 6 goals have been game winners. Horcoff has also played a big role on the Ducks league best penalty kill and that is where his presence will be missed primarily. Horcoff ranks 4th amongst Ducks forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game.

Ryan Garbutt was acquired last week and it is clear his role in the Ducks bottom six group will now be expanded. Mike Santorelli and Nate Thompson will also have to step up and play a big role at center as well as on the penalty kill.

Next: What the stats say about the Ducks defense

The Ducks are in Boston tonight, the first game without Horcoff.

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