Islanders' Pock hit with five-game suspension for elbowing

TORONTO -- New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Pock was suspended for five games without pay on Friday for elbowing Ottawa Senators forward Ryan Shannon the previous night.

Pock was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for elbowing Shannon on Thursday. Shannon, who was making his Senators debut, had to be helped off the ice to the dressing room.

"I understand why there is a need for the league to enforce a strict policy to hits to the head," Pock said in a statement released by the Islanders. "I have reached out to Ryan to apologize and I hope he makes a quick recovery."

Pock will be eligible to return on Nov. 26 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

His salary of nearly $18,000 for the five games will go to the NHL players' emergency assistance fund.