updated 2:16 p.m. ET Aug. 16, 2005

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Todd Bertuzzi broke his silence following his NHL reinstatement by posting a letter on the Vancouver Canucks’ Web site on Tuesday.

Bertuzzi was reinstated Monday after a 17-month suspension for punching former Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore in the head from behind. Moore’s career is still in doubt after the attack.

The suspension cost Bertuzzi the final 13 games of the 2003-04 regular season and sidelined him for the Canucks’ seven-game playoff loss to the Calgary Flames. He also lost $501,926.39 in salary.

Bertuzzi was not allowed to play for Canada in last year’s World Cup of Hockey or the world hockey championships. The IIHF also held up the suspension and wouldn’t let him play in Europe during the NHL lockout that wiped out last season.

Here's the text of the letter:

Dear Canucks fans,

Yesterday I received the news from Commissioner Bettman informing me that I have been reinstated to play NHL hockey and can now rejoin the Vancouver Canucks. This news is a great relief to me and my family and we are now looking forward to the coming season.

BERTUZZI SUSPENSION IS OVER Bertuzzi tells fans: 'I will see you soon' Ex-Avs player Moore surprised by ruling TSN's Yorio: Ruling is a sham Bertuzzi reinstated, 17 months after attack

I want to take this opportunity to thank Canucks fans and the city of Vancouver for all of your kind wishes. Your support, coupled with that of my teammates, Canucks ownership, management and staff and my agent Pat Morris have been a great help in these very difficult times.

I've played my best hockey in Vancouver and the fans have been a big part of that. We have had some success but I feel as a team our best is still yet to come. I am excited about this team and look forward to getting back on the ice with my teammates in front of our fans.

I can't wait to get back on the ice at General Motors Place on Monday. I will see you soon.

Yours truly,
Bert

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