Canucks and Wild Players Support Rypien's Suspension

by Monte Stewart

Filed under: Canucks, Wild, NHL Fans, NHL Fights

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Both Vancouver and Minnesota Wild players expressed sympathy for Rick Rypien as the Canucks forward received a six-game suspension Friday for tussling with a fan.

But, going slightly against the norm for NHLers, Rypien's teammates and opponents suggested he got what he deserved as they prepared for a re-match at Rogers Arena following Tuesday's incident in Minnesota.

"We respect the league's decision on it," Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault told reporters after his club's morning skate, echoing the sentiments of a press release issued by the team. "Rick made a mistake and those are the consequences and we turn the page and move on."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and chief disciplinarian Colin Campbell punished Rypien after he appeared to grab Minnesota Wild fan James Engquist while entering the tunnel to the dressing room in St. Paul.

 

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