Canucks' Aaron Rome Receives Four-Game Suspenion

(NewsCore) - The NHL on Tuesday handed Canucks defenseman Aaron Rome a four-game suspension for his hit that knocked Bruins forward Nathan Horton out for the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals with a severe concussion.

The penalty will force Rome to sit out the remainder of the series and will carry over to next season if the Finals do not reach a Game 7.

"Two factors were considered in reaching this decision," said NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy. "The hit by Rome was clearly beyond what is acceptable in terms of how late it was delivered after Horton had released the puck and it caused a significant injury."

Murphy said Rule 48, which bars hits to the head, had nothing to do with the suspension. He described the play as "just an interference penalty."

Horton laid motionless on the ice for several minutes and was taken off on a stretcher after Rome blindsided him early in the first period.

Rome was issued a five-minute major penalty and ejected for hitting Horton after he had clearly passed the puck.

The 27-year-old Canadian wished Horton the best Tuesday.

"I want to express my concern for Nathan's well being and wish him a quick and full recovery," Rome said in a statement. "I try to play this game honestly and with integrity. As someone who has experienced this type of injury I am well aware of its serious nature and have no desire for another player to experience it. I will not take away my teammates' focus on the task at hand and intend to speak at an appropriate time in the future."

The 26-year-old Horton was alert and able to move his arms and legs after being briefly hospitalized.

Horton had eight goals and nine assists in the playoffs after scoring 53 points in the regular season.

The Bruins went on to an 8-1 romp Monday, cutting Vancouver's best-of-seven series lead to 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday night in Boston.

Read more: TSN