One day after pleading not guilty at his arraignment hearing, suspended Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov took part in an optional skate with the team. As a result, the NHL has fined the Kings $100,000 for violating the terms of Voynov’s suspension.
Los Angeles Kings fined $100k after suspended Slava Voynov practices with teamWhen the NHL suspended Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov, the Kings were instructed that Voynov was not to take part in any team activities, optional or otherwise.
On Tuesday, during what has been called an optional team skate by team officials, Voynov was on the ice with his teammates. Shortly after news broke that the suspended defenseman was taking part in a skate with the Kings, the NHL handed down a $100,000 fine to the team. The Orange County Register’s Rich Hammond reported that the Kings did not get league permission for Voynov to take part in the skate.
The league’s release states that Voynov’s participation was, “in direct contravention of the terms of the suspension levied Oct. 20, which permit Mr. Voynov to use club facilities and work with team personnel but prohibit his participation in any team-related functions or activities.”
Lisa Dillman of The Los Angeles Times communicated with Kings GM Dean Lombardi, and reported that there was no change in Voynov’s status that would allow him to participate with the team. Lombardi told Dillman he believed it would be good for Voynov to be around the team.
Voynov’s suspension stems from an alleged incident of domestic violence, to which he pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing yesterday.
Update: The Kings have released a statement regarding Voynov's attendance at the skate and the subsequent fine.
"This was clearly a mistake on our part and we accept full responsibility. It is incumbent upon us to be more vigilant in managing this situation to ensure that Slava’s allowable training activities always remain separate from the team.”