Fake Vax Card Results In 21-Game Suspension For Sharks’ Evander Kane

San Jose Sharks star Evander Kane is officially in the NHL’s penalty box. Unfortunately for Kane, his stay in the box will be significantly longer than the standard five-minute minor. Due to a fake vaccination card, Kane’s been suspended by the league for 21 games.

BREAKING (AP) — The NHL has suspended San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane for 21 games for submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) October 18, 2021

As OutKick’s Meg Turner reported earlier this month, Kane, 30, was being investigated for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card. The Sharks forward submitted the phony document to the NHL prior to the season in an attempt to avoid the restrictions that are placed on players who are unvaccinated.

The NHL does not require vaccines for its players, but does mandate unvaccinated players quarantine to participate in games within Canada. It also restricts unvaccinated players from leaving their hotel rooms on the road.

San Jose confirmed Kane’s suspension in a statement late Monday: “The NHL has advised our organization that Evander Kane has been suspended without pay for 21 games for an established violation of, and lack of compliance with, the NHL/NHLPA COVID-19 protocols.”

Kane will be forced to forfeit his salary for the 21 missed games, though he likely isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. He’s in the third season of a seven-year deal that pays him around $7 million per season.

The NHLPA released a statement on Kane’s behalf, saying: “I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.”

Kane’s stay in penalty purgatory will have him off the ice for more than a month. He is eligible to return to game action on November 30th.