NHL suspends Anaheim Ducks owner Samueli

NEW YORK, June 24 (UPI) -- Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli, convicted of lying to federal officials, is banned from involvement with his club and the NHL, the league announced Tuesday.

The NHL invoked the suspension for an indefinite period following Samueli's guilty plea Monday to one felony count of making a false statement in front of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Sentencing in U.S. District Court is expected Aug. 18. At that time, the league will review of Samueli's status to decide whether the NHL will take any other punitive action against him.

Alternate Governor Michael Schulman will serve as the franchise's governor in Samueli's absence. He will be responsible for managing all club operations and will report to the commissioner.

"While Mr. Samueli has been an exemplary owner, we hold NHL personnel to the highest standards and this plea requires the imposition of discipline under league rules," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Samueli and his wife Susan purchased the franchise from The Walt Disney Co. in 2005.