Tue Jun 24 17:34:16 2008

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NHL suspends Ducks owner Samueli

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Tuesday that Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli is suspended indefinitely from any and all further involvement with his club and with the league.

Samueli pled guilty on Monday to one count of making a false statement in front of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and sentencing in Federal District Court is expected to come on August 18. At that time, the league will conduct a review of Samueli's status to decide what, if any, further penalties the NHL should levy 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," Bettman stated.

Samueli and his wife Susan purchased the franchise, then known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, from The Walt Disney Company in 2005. Just prior to the 2006-07 season, the club's name was officially changed to the Anaheim Ducks. That season, the club became the first from California to win the Stanley Cup, besting Ottawa in five games.