AHL announces suspensions

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that Peoria Rivermen forward Rocky Thompson has been suspended for one (1) game as a result of his actions in an AHL game at Iowa on Saturday (Apr. 15).

Thompson was assessed his third instigator penalty of the season on Saturday, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. He will miss Game 1 of the Rivermen’s West Division semifinal series on Friday (Apr. 21) at Houston.

In addition, the American Hockey League has suspended Chicago Wolves right wing Billy Tibbetts for three (3) games as result of his actions during an AHL game on Apr. 14 vs. Milwaukee. Tibbetts, who has already served one game of the suspension, received a game misconduct under AHL Rule #76(a)(iii) – Physical Abuse of an Official.

As Chicago did not qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs, Tibbetts will serve the remaining two games of his suspension at the start of the 2006-07 regular season.

The American Hockey League has suspended Chicago Wolves right wing Francis Lessard and Chicago Wolves left wing Karl Stewart for one (1) game each as a result of their actions in an AHL game on Apr. 15 vs. Houston.

Lessard was assessed his third game misconduct of the season in the “general” category, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. Stewart was assessed his second game misconduct of the season in the “stick” category, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension.

Lessard and Stewart will serve their suspensions at the start of the 2006-07 regular season.