Tocchet sentenced to probation for sports gambling

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former Philadelphia Flyers player Rick Tocchet was sentenced to two years probation on Friday for conspiracy and promoting gambling in connection with his role in a multimillion-dollar sports betting ring, his lawyer said.

Tocchet, 43, admitted in May in New Jersey Superior Court in Mount Holly that from 2002 and 2006 he conspired to operate an illegal sports gambling ring with ex-New Jersey State Trooper James Harney and another man, James Ulmer.

A money laundering charge was dropped.

Kevin Marino, Tocchet's lawyer, said his client's conduct never threatened the integrity of professional ice hockey.

"Mr. Tocchet is deeply sorry for the embarrassment his actions have brought to the NHL, his family and friends," Marino said in a statement, adding that Tocchet looked forward to cooperating with the National Hockey League in its ongoing investigation.

Canadian-born Tocchet is on leave from his job as associate coach for the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team where he works with hockey great Wayne Gretzky.

Prosecutors said the betting ring usually took in more than five bets a day totaling more than $1,000 -- the threshold for the promoting gambling charge. But on one day, January 1, 2006, Tocchet and Harney accepted about 17 bets on professional football games totaling some $40,000 from one individual.

Police began investigating the ring in October 2005. Authorities said it took in millions of dollars from all over the country from its bases in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.