NHL upholds 10-game suspension for Ducks center Antoine Vermette

Antoine Vermette’s 10-game suspension for abuse of an official was upheld, the NHL announced Saturday.

The Ducks center appealed the suspension for the Feb.14 incident, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sustained it following a hearing Thursday. It’s believed the NHL and the Players’ Assn. were willing to reduce the suspension, but the NHL Officials Assn. disagreed and the punishment remained in place.

Vermette slapped a linesman with the blade of his stick in the third period against the Minnesota Wild after he appeared upset that the puck was dropped early on a faceoff. He was ejected from the game.

“First and foremost, I have great respect for the officials and the integrity of the game,” Vermette said in a statement. “Also, I agree that I deserve a suspension. I should never make contact with an official. At the earliest possible opportunity, I apologized to [linesman] Mr. Shandor Alphonso.

“I was trying to get his attention and was not trying to hurt him. However, using my stick was a mistake, and I accept full responsibility for my actions.”

It is the first suspension of Vermette’s 13-year career. He will be eligible to return March 12 against the Washington Capitals, unless the case is brought before an independent arbitrator.

“I certainly hope my track record in the NHL will earn me the benefit of the doubt regarding this incident,” Vermette said. “I feel a 10-game suspension is excessive and will be reviewing my options. I look forward to returning to the lineup as soon as possible.”