Vancouver Canucks forward Rick Rypien has been suspended six games for his altercation with a fan on Tuesday in Minnesota.
The forward attended an in-person disciplinary hearing on Friday morning in New York, that also included NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and vice-president Colin Campbell among others.
The Canucks also were fined $25,000, as required by League policy.
"Prior to each season, all clubs and players are advised that under no circumstances are club personnel permitted to have physical contact with fans, or enter, or attempt to enter the stands," Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We hold NHL players to a high standard, and there simply is no excuse for conduct of this nature. Fortunately, this incident is not typical of the way NHL players conduct themselves and is not typical of the way Mr. Rypien had conducted himself during his career."
Rypien, who was assessed a double minor for roughing, as well as a 10-minute misconduct in the second period of the Canucks loss to the Wild, was heading down the tunnel to the dressing room when he pushed a Wild fan that was applauding at the railing.
"We understand and respect the League's decision today regarding Rick Rypien," Canucks president and general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement. "While this game is played with passion and intensity, the safety of all of our fans and players is of the utmost importance at all times. Throughout his career Rick has been well respected by his teammates, coaches, fellow players and our community. Rick is a valued member of our organization and we will continue to support him and all of his teammates to ensure incidents like this do not happen in the future."
The 26-year-old will be eligible to return to the lineup Nov. 6 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Rypien has nine goals and six assists in 113 career NHL games.
