San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for 21 games by the NHL, without pay, for an “established violation” of the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocol, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
Per the report, Kane was being investigated over allegations that he submitted a fake COVID-19 vaccination card to the NHL and the Sharks, and according to the league Kane was suspended for “an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 Protocol.”
“I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols,” Kane said in a statement released by the NHLPA. “I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”
“The NHL has advised our organization that Evander Kane has been suspended without pay for 21 games for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocols,” the team said in a Monday statement. “While we are encouraged by Evander’s commitment to moving forward, we are extremely disappointed by his disregard for the health and safety protocols put in place by the NHL and the NHLPA. We will not be commenting further on Evander’s status prior to the conclusion of the NHL’s mandated suspension.”
