Tocchet out of NHL until February

Tocchet, who partnered with a New Jersey state trooper and another man in a sports betting venture they ran for 5 years, pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling. As part of a plea deal, Tocchet was sentenced by a New Jersey court to 2 years' probation in August and avoided jail time.

He has been on an indefinite leave from his job as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes under Wayne Gretzky and had his ban extended yesterday by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman until Feb. 7, 2008 - 2 years after the leave began.

"Employment and participation in the National Hockey League is an honor and privilege that can not be taken for granted," Bettman said. "Those in our game who engage in conduct detrimental to the game or its good reputation will be held strictly accountable for their decisions to engage in such conduct.

"He has paid an extremely high price for his conduct, which although perhaps not as bad as originally suggested, was nevertheless highly inappropriate and illegal."

Tocchet, 43, who could have received up to 5 years in state prison, violated terms of the leave granted by Bettman by having contact with league personnel during the time he was away from the game, and must meet other conditions before he can be reinstated. Tocchet played for the Flyers from 1984 to '92 and from 1999 to 2002.

"We respect the commissioner's decision and are relieved that this situation is behind us," said Gretzky, the Coyotes' head coach and managing partner. "We will welcome Rick Tocchet back on Feb. 7, 2008." *