Ottawa Senators fans won’t see Shane Pinto on the ice for a few weeks.
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Thursday that Pinto, 22, has been suspended for 41 games “for activities related to sports betting.”
Ottawa Sun reported that Pinto had an online gambling account, which was flagged by the NHL affiliate for “unusual activity.” While the NHL did not specify what led to the ban, the league said its investigators found no evidence that Pinto bet on NHL games.
The NHL also said it considered the matter “closed” following the investigation, “with no new information emerging and will not comment further on the ban.”
Shane Pinto #57 of the Ottawa Senators warms up before the game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on February 20, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Richard T Gagnon/Getty
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For his part, Pinto released his own statement apologizing for his actions to the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, his teammates and his family.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and look forward to getting back on the ice with my team,” Pinto said.
His team, the Ottawa Senators, also released a statement to the NHL saying they were “aware” of the NHL’s investigation and had received “additional information” after the investigation into Pinto was completed.
“Shane is a valued member of our hockey club; an attractive, intelligent young man who made poor decisions that resulted in a suspension by the National Hockey League,” the team said. “We know he regrets his mistakes.”
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Shane Pinto #57 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Canadian Tire Center on March 23, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty
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The team said it “fully supports the NHL’s gambling rules” and will work with Pinto so he can return to play with the team.
“While we are saddened to learn of this issue, the entire organization remains committed to Shane and will work together to do what is necessary to help provide support to allow him to resolve his issues and become a strong contributor to our community,” they continued. .
“When the time is right and with the blessing of the league, we will welcome him back to the organization and embrace him as one of our own,” the team concluded in its statement.
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Pinto’s 41-game ban is the NHL’s first gambling-related suspension since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, opening the door for teams to receive sponsorships from sports betting companies, according to ESPN.
The Ottawa Senators faced off against the New York Islanders on Thursday night, the same day the ban was announced. The team is scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. So far this season, Pinto has scored 43 points in 99 games for the team, according to ESPN.
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