Senators centre Shane Pinto suspended for 41 games by NHL
Ottawa Senators free agent centre Shane Pinto has been suspended by the NHL for 41 games for "activities relating to sports wagering," the NHL has announced.
Pinto, who missed the first six games of the NHL season as he continued contract talks with the Senators, is the first modern-day NHL player suspended for sports wagering.
"I want to apologize to the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators, my teammates, the fans and city of Ottawa and most importantly my family," Pinto said in a statement released by the Senators.
"I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team."
The National Hockey League released few details about its investigation and the suspension for Pinto on Thursday afternoon, only saying it was “for activities relating to sports wagering.”
"The league’s investigation found no evidence that Pinto made any wagers on NHL games. The NHL considers this matter closed."
The NHL said it will have no further comment on the suspension. The collective bargaining agreement for the NHL/NHLPA states, "gambling on any NHL game is prohibited."
In a statement, the Ottawa Senators said it was "saddened to learn" of the issue, but remains committed to Pinto.
"We were made aware of the National Hockey League investigation into this matter and additional information was made available to the club upon the completion of the league’s investigation yesterday,” the Senators said.
"Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an engaging, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that have resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League. We know he is remorseful for his mistakes."
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Pinto, a restricted free agent, missed the Senators first six games of the season while continuing contract negotiations with the club. The 22-year-old centre scored 20 goals and added 35 points last season.
Postmedia hockey columnist Bruce Garrioch reported the Senators rescinded all previous contract offers to Pinto.
Senators head coach DJ Smith told reporters on Thursday in New York that the organization is behind Pinto "100 per cent."
"We'll be here for him, we'll offer him any support that he needs, and we'll welcome him back with absolute open arms," Smith said. "I know the staff loves him, I know the players love him -- the city, the organization. We'll do everything we can."
The NHL, a number of its franchises, and several star players -- including Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews -- have high-profile sponsorship deals with gambling websites.
The Senators became the first NHL team to add a gambling-related entity as a helmet sponsor with Bet99 in 2021. Their home helmets feature the logo for Betway, an international gambling company.
The last NHL players suspended for gambling before Pinto were Billy Taylor, Don Gallinger and Babe Pratt back in the 1940s.
With files from The Canadian Press
LISTEN LIVE TO TSN 1200: Voice of Ottawa sports
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977485.1721935249!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
LIVE UPDATES Rain reduces wildfire activity, aids firefighters: Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials said Thursday night that rain over the day resulted in "minimal fire behaviour and spread."
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.