Washington Owner Suspended by League

Washington Capital owner Ted Leonsis was suspended Wednesday by the NHL for fighting with a fan.

Leonsis, 48, is to have no contact with his team for one week, effective immediately, the NHL ruled. The Capitals also were fined $100,000.

“As in other instances involving players, coaches or managers, we hold all members of the NHL family to a higher standard than the general public,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

Leonsis scuffled with season-ticket holder Jason Hammer, 20, after the Capitals’ home loss to Philadelphia on Sunday.

Hammer told the Washington Post that Leonsis put his hands on his neck and tossed him down, although other witnesses offered different accounts.

“I apologize to the Washington Capitals’ community for the incident that occurred following our game Sunday against Philadelphia,” Leonsis said in his first public statement on the matter. “It never should have happened. I remain committed to being an accessible owner.”

Leonsis called Hammer on Monday to apologize, and Hammer accepted the owner’s offer to join him in the owner’s box for Saturday’s home game against Vancouver.

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Detroit goalie Dominik Hasek’s injured groin has improved and the Red Wings expected him to be able to skate again in about a week.

Hasek, who ended his one-year retirement last summer, has played only 14 games this season. He has started to rehabilitate his injury after being told to stay off the ice and to avoid working out earlier this month.

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The Edmonton Oilers put leading scorer Mike York on injured reserve because of a broken finger, and recalled forwards Jani Rita and Mike Bishai from Toronto of the American Hockey League.

York (15 goals and 22 assists) broke his left index finger in a loss at Colorado on Tuesday.