Player-coach Steve Thornton must sit out four matches

Belfast Giants player/coach Steve Thornton has had his nine-game ban for careless use of his stick reduced to four weeks following an appeal.

Thornton's original suspension for the offence in a match against Newcastle Vipers was reduced by the Elite League's independent appeals board.

He will now miss Thursday night's game with Cardiff Devils at the Odyssey.

Thornton must also sit out the weekend matches against the Sheffield Steelers and Cardiff and then Coventry Blaze.

He will return to the line-up for a Challenge Cup group game at home against the Vipers.