TURIN, Italy - The NHL has seen no evidence players bet on league games through a gambling ring allegedly operated by Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Friday.
It was the first public disclosure by the league of the findings of its investigation, which is running in tandem with a criminal probe.
Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet Jones have been linked to the ring allegedly run by Tocchet, a former NHL player and close friend of Coyotes coach Gretzky. Jones is alleged to have placed large bets through Tocchet.
Authorities have said up to a dozen NHL players are implicated in their investigation, but have not identified or charged any.
Tocchet, a New Jersey state trooper and a third man are accused of running a ring that authorities say handled $1.7 million in bets during the six weeks leading up to this month’s Super Bowl.
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Daly said the NHL’s investigation, led by former federal prosecutor Robert Cleary, is moving in “lockstep” with one by New Jersey authorities.
Daly said the case may cause league officials to change their gambling policy, which currently does not ban players from betting legally on other sports.
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PHT: A comeback win in Game 3 gave Ottawa hope, and the Senators seek a repeat result tonight to level the series.
PHT: After coming back home in an 0-2 hole, the Sharks are now even with the Kings after holding on to win Game 4 Tuesday night.
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Highlights: Sharks even series with Kings The San Jose Sharks capitalized on their scoring chances in the first period and the early part of the second period in Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Kings. After falling behind by two goals, the Kings almost cut the lead in half in the second period, but the referee blew the play dead as the puck was about to cross the goal line. The series is now tied at two. |
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Stanley Cup winners A look at the teams that have earned the right to hoist Lord Stanley's prize since 1965. NBCSports.com |
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