PRINCETON, New Jersey - The ECHL announced suspensions stemming from last weekend's fight at the Huntington Center.
Kansas City Mavericks' Garrett Klotz has been suspended for eight games and Eric Freschi was suspended for two for their roles in two separate fights in KC's loss to Toledo on February 10. Both players were also fined an undisclosed amount.
Klotz was assessed a game misconduct for cross checking Toledo's AJ Jenks in the 3rd period, sparking a brawl that saw both lines on the ice get involved. Freshci was also given a game misconduct for his cross check on Walleye defenseman Parker Reno later in the 3rd.
In a statement released Wednesday, Klotz apologized for his actions and denied reports that he had been sent on the ice by Maverick coaches to start fights:
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the Kansas City Mavericks, the ECHL and the Toledo organization for my actions on Saturday. I want to be clear that I acted on my own accord - I was not sent out to do anything but play. Hockey is an emotional game and I did not contain myself appropriately. My actions were not indicative of who I am as a person or player, having been suspended only once in my 10-year career, and I look forward to putting this behind me. I will use this experience as an opportunity to learn and am eager to put this behind me and return to the ice this season."