Flyers recall Downie from AHL

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PHILADELPHIA -- Steve Downie, who received one of the longest suspensions in NHL history for a vicious preseason hit on Ottawa's Dean McAmmond, was recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers from the team's AHL affiliate on Tuesday.

Downie was suspended 20 games for leaving his feet to hit McAmmond in the head in a September preseason game. McAmmond was taken from the ice on a stretcher and missed a month of action with a concussion.

Downie was the first of five Flyers to be suspended for brutal hits so far this season.

The 20-game suspension given to Downie matched the fourth-longest in league history and was five games less than given to teammate Jesse Boulerice for hitting Vancouver's Ryan Kesler across the face with his stick. Boulerice's suspension matched the longest in league history.

Most recently, forward Riley Cote was suspended for three games for using his elbow to strike Dallas forward Mat Niskanen into the boards in the third period of Saturday's loss to the Stars.

The league has warned Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren that the franchise could be subject to further disciplinary action for any other hit.

Downie had a goal and 11 assists in 13 games for the Philadelphia Phantoms. He led the AHL team in penalty minutes with 63.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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