Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks President and General Manager Mike Gillis released the following statement today regarding the National Hockey League suspension of forward Rick Rypien:

“We understand and respect the League’s decision today regarding Rick Rypien. While this game is played with passion and intensity, the safety of all of our fans and players is of the utmost importance at all times. Throughout his career Rick has been well respected by his teammates, coaches, fellow players and our community. Rick is a valued member of our organization and we will continue to support him and all of his teammates to ensure incidents like this do not happen in the future.”