UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro will get his confiscated pads back and won’t be suspended for using them for one period of Thursday’s overtime loss to the Florida Panthers.
DiPietro wore new white pads for warmups and the first period Thursday, but was told before the second that he couldn’t use them for the rest of the game. There was confusion about whether the pads were examined and approved by the NHL as is required before they can be worn in a game.
DiPietro was under the impression that they were, adding the process usually occurs before he receives his equipment.
Wearing illegal pads or ones that haven’t been approved by the league could carry a two-game suspension.
“I can confirm the pads have been cleared. They are being returned to Rick in Colorado and he will not be suspended,” Islanders spokesman Chris Botta said in an e-mail Friday. “I don’t know if he’ll get the pads in time for Saturday’s game or if he will be wearing them.”
The Islanders play the Avalanche in Denver on Saturday.
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