Ryane Clowe Suspended Two Games By NHL [Video]

San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe has been suspended by the NHL for two games.

Clowe was suspended for leaving the bench during Friday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks in order to instigate a fight with forward Andrew Shaw.

ESPN reports that Clowe could have received a 10-game suspension if league officials determined that he left the bench during an illegal line change. But after reviewing the tape the Department of Player Safety ruled that Clowe entered the ice legally. The Sharks player did, however, violate rule 70.1 when he left the bench with the sole intent of fighting Shaw.

Rule 70.1 states:

“No player may leave the players’ bench or penalty bench at any time during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation. A player who has entered the game while play is in progress from his own player’s bench … who starts an altercation, may be subject to discipline.”

Clowe was suspended indefinitely by the league after the incident and has already missed one game. That game will count toward Clowe’s two game suspension. The Sharks forward will be able to return to the ice on Thursday for San Jose’s game against Detroit. Clowe will forfeit close to $40,000 due to his suspension.

CBS reports that this is Clowe’s first NHL suspension.

Here’s a video from the NHL about Ryane Clowe’s punishment.