Patrice Cormier is going to accept his punishment from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies forward had the option to appeal a season-long suspension for his hit on Quebec Remparts defenceman Mikael Tam, but indicated in a statement Tuesday that he will serve the ban.
"I fully respect the Quebec Major Junior League's decision regarding the Mikael Tam incident," Cormier said in a statement released by Halifax-based agent Tim Cranston. "I deeply regret the circumstances surrounding this event and wish Mikael Tam a speedy and full recovery."
The 19-year-old New Jersey Devils prospect will sit out the rest of the regular season and playoffs. He had a five-day window to appeal the suspension.
Video of the ugly Jan. 17 incident has been replayed several times over the past week. On the play, Cormier came off his team's bench and caught Tam with an elbow in the neutral zone, sending the Quebec defenceman into convulsions.
Tam spent two days in hospital with head trauma before returning to Quebec City last week.
