McSorley still in fighting mood after joining IHL's Griffins

Grand Rapids, MI (Sports Network) - Defenseman Marty McSorley's return to the ice was one filled with fights and ultimately a one-game suspension for the 17-year NHL veteran. McSorley played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the IHL Saturday night and in his first minor league game in 14 seasons, he was thrown out for fighting and later received an automatic one-game suspension.

McSorley's suspension from the NHL, for a slash to the head of Vancouver's Donald Brashear last year, is up on February 21. The league cleared him to play in the IHL on Saturday, but McSorley found himself out of the game late in the third period.

He received a five-minute penalty for fighting and a double game misconduct penalty. Three other Griffins and three Utah Grizzlies were penalized during the fracas. A total of 187 penalty minutes were handed out during the 3-1 win by Grand Rapids. McSorley will miss Sunday night's game against the Houston Aeros.

It was earlier this week that McSorley signed with the London Knights of the British League. The British team he signed with is coached by his brother, Chris, who is also the general manager. In order to play there, McSorley would need clearance from the NHL, and they were not scheduled to hear his case until March 5.

McSorley ranks third in the NHL for career penalty minutes. He won Stanley Cups with Edmonton in 1987 and '88 and was a member of the Boston Bruins when he was suspended for a year for hitting Brashear in the head during a game. McSorley was convicted in a Vancouver court this past October 6 of assault with a weapon and given 18 months of probation.

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