Evander Kane has been in the spotlight on several occasions the last few months for everything but his play on the ice. And now, his play on the ice will be on hold for 21 games as the National Hockey League has suspended the San Jose Sharks forward for what they call an “established violation” of the league’s COVID-19 protocol.
That “established violation”, according to the league, was submitting a false COVID-19 vaccination card. Kane released a statement via the NHLPA following the news of the suspension.
“I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols,” said Kane. “I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”
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In addition, the Sharks organization released a statement following the announcement of the suspension.
“The NHL has advised our organization that Evander Kane has been suspended without pay for 21 games for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocols. While we are encouraged by Evander’s commitment to moving forward, we are extremely disappointed by his disregard for the health and safety protocols put in place by the NHL and the NHLPA. We will not be commenting further on Evander’s status prior to the conclusion of the NHL’s mandated suspension.”
Kane arrived in San Jose via a trade from the Buffalo Sabres during the the2017-18 season. In his three and a half seasons with the Sharks, Kane has 87 goals and 79 assists in 212 games. He has almost amassed 342 penalty minutes in that time including leading the league in said category in both 2018-19 and 2019-20 with 153 minutes and 122 minutes respectively.
This will be Kanes’ fourth suspension as a member of the Sharks.
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