NHL forecast: No ice for Snow Former UMaine goalie loses two games for punching Worrell

NEW YORK – Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Garth Snow has been suspended for two games by the NHL for punching Florida Panthers forward Peter Worrell.

The play occurred at 14:36 of the third period of Friday’s game at Pittsburgh, won by Florida 4-1.

Snow, a former University of Maine hockey star, left his crease and punched Worrell in the head with his blocking glove. Snow received two minor penalties.

The incident occurred after Worrell took a swipe at Penguins star Jaromir Jagr, whose teammates were slow to react.

After pushing Jagr in the face, Worrell found himself up against the Penguins bench. Matthew Barnaby appeared to toss a water bottle at Worrell but the most aggressive Penguin was Snow, who left his crease to confront the Panthers’ tough guy.

Snow received a roughing penalty and Barnaby a game misconduct while Worrell was not penalized.

Rich Parent has taken over in goal for Snow.

Snow missed Saturday’s game at Montreal and will miss Wednesday’s game at Florida.

Based on his salary, Snow will lose $6,417 in salary.

Snow helped lead Maine to the national title in 1993. He has a 7-9-3 record in his first season with the Penguins and has notched one shutout with a 2.96 goals-against average.

Snow started his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques. He was with that organization for two seasons and then played three seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers.

He spent the last three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before signing this season as a free agent with the Penguins.