NEW YORK, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was suspended one week and the team was fined $100,000 by the NHL on Wednesday.
The action came three days after Leonsis physically confronted a fan at the MCI Center.
Leonsis has apologized to the fan, Jason Hammer, and invited the 20-year-old college student to watch Saturday's game against Vancouver from his box at the arena.
But Leonsis will not be able to make good on the invitation since he can have no contact with the team or attend a game during the suspension.
"As in other instances involving players, coaches or managers, we hold all members of the NHL family to a higher standard than the general public," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
"Even in those cases when there were instances of alleged provocation, we have made it clear that NHL personnel need to do everything possible to avoid a confrontation of fans."
