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Report: Officials union prevents curtail on Vermette's ban

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NHL was apparently willing to reduce the 10-game suspension levied to Antoine Vermette for his slash on linesman Shandor Alphonso down to five, but the Officials Association prevented an amendment, according to multiple reports.

It's believed Vermette met with the NHL on Thursday in an effort to lessen the punishment.

The slash was deemed to be the application of physical force without an intent to injure, which carries an automatic 10-game suspension.

If he chooses, Vermette has seven days to take his appeal to an independent arbitrator, or he stands to miss the 10 games and forfeit nearly $100,000 in salary.

Vermette released this statement Saturday, as retrieved by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman:

First and foremost, I have great respect for the officials and the integrity of the game. Also, I agree that I deserve a suspension. I should never make contact with an official. At the earliest opportunity, I apologized to Mr. Shandor Alphonso. I was trying to get his attention and was not trying to hurt him. However, using my stick was a mistake, and I accept full responsibility for my actions. I certainly hope my track record in the NHL will earn me the benefit of the doubt regarding this incident. I feel a 10-game suspension is excessive and (I) will be reviewing my options. I look forward to returning to the lineup as soon as possible.

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