After laying down the law on New York Sirens forward Taylor Girard, the PWHL took a step back.
Girard was suspended four games for leaving the bench to join a skirmish between the Sirens and the Montreal Victoire on Jan. 19 at the Washington Capitals’ arena, but the suspension has been reduced to three games, the PWHL announced Wednesday.
The PWHL Players Association appealed Girard’s suspension. According to the league, Jayna Hefford, executive vice president of hockey operations reviewed video replays and other submissions from the players association, and concluded that a reduction to three games was appropriate.
According to league rules, the first player to leave the bench illegally faces an automatic four-game suspension.
Girard is now eligible to return to play on Feb. 26 against Montreal, following the Olympic break.
