Tom Kostopoulos Returns Remorseful From Suspension

by Monte Stewart

Filed under: Canucks, Flames, NHL Discipline

VANCOUVER -- Tom Kostopoulos now plans to use his head and think twice about head shots.

The Calgary winger returned from a six-game suspension Saturday as the Flames visited the Vancouver Canucks. Kostopoulos received the punishment for a hit that broke Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart's jaw in two places on Jan. 6.

"You've gotta avoid the head at all costs," said Kostopoulos when asked about any lessons he had learned from his hiatus. "I was never targeting the head on that hit -- or any hit. But you've gotta avoid the head."

Stuart is out six to eight weeks as a result of the hit. The incident and punishment resulted in intense criticism around the NHL.

Kostopoulos issued a statement expressing disappointment with the suspension, while he and interim general manager Jay Feaster contended the hit was legal. But league disciplinarian Colin Campbell disagreed.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/22/tom-kostopoulos-returns-remorseful-from-suspension/

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