clarinews@clarinet.com (02/03/90)
TORONTO (UPI) -- Toronto Maple Leafs left winger John Kordic Friday received a two-game suspension and $500 fine from the NHL for an unprovoked attack on Minnesota North Stars rookie star Mike Modano. Kordic's suspension will begin Feb. 9, unless the Maple Leafs appeal O'Neill's decision. ``In handing down this penalty the League is making the statement that players who take it upon themselves to engage in premeditated attacks on opponents will face suspension,'' Brian O'Neill, the NHL executive vice-president in charge of discipline, said in a statement. ``In reviewing the video tape it is clear that the attack on Modano was not provoked and the Minnesota player seemed unaware the he was about to be struck by Kordic,'' O'Neill said. Kordic attacked Modano from behind with minutes left in a game Monday night, battering the rookie and drawing a game misconduct. Kordic was quoted as saying his actions were ``payback'' and ``tit for tat'' because Modano had hurt two Maple Leafs in previous games with cheap shots. ``He gave (Daniel) Marois a cheap shot in Minnesota and took a swing at (Gary) Leeman last time they were here. This was just a little payback, just to let them know they can't do that stuff,'' Kordic said after attacking Modano. Kordic has a career high eight goals and three assists this season, with 191 penalty minutes in 42 games.