PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Flyers prospect Steve Downie was ruled ineligible to play in the AHL for the first month of the season after the NHL suspended him 20 games last week.
Downie was suspended 20 games by the NHL on Friday for leaving his feet to deliver a deliberate and dangerous hit to the head Ottawa's Dean McAmmond. His suspension matched the fourth-longest in league history.
"The American Hockey League has established a strict disciplinary standard over the last several seasons relative to deliberate hits to the head," said league president David Andrews. "We strongly support the National Hockey League's recent directives on these dangerous hits, and we want to send a clear message that actions such as Mr. Downie's are unacceptable in our game."
Downie will be permitted to play in the league as of November 3. His AHL eligibility does not affect the terms of his NHL suspension.
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