Red Wings’ Witkowski will not appeal 10-game suspension

After the brawl that occurred between the Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames, an expected suspension has been handed down to Luke Witkowski and Calgary Flames' Matthew Tkachuk will have a hearing for his role in the fight.

Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Witkowski will not appeal the 10-game suspension he received for violating National Hockey League rule 70.6 during the Red Wings’ game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

Witkoswki released a statement explaining his decision on Saturday.

“I have decided not to appeal the 10-game suspension stemming from what happened against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, Nov. 15 in Detroit,” said Witkowski. “After consulting with the NHLPA and reviewing the options, I accept and understand that the wording of the rule, combined with what happened during the incident, leave little to no chance of a successful appeal.”

Rule 70.6 states, “any player or goalkeeper who has been ordered to the dressing room by the officials and returns to his bench or to the ice surface for any reason before the appropriate time shall be assessed a game misconduct and shall be suspended automatically without pay for the next ten (10) regular League and/or Play-off games.”

View a clip of the incident in the video player above.

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