Simon will not face charges

MINEOLA, N.Y. -- New York Islander Chris Simon, suspended for a league-record 25 games for a vicious on-ice hit, will not face criminal charges.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said her office considered "the willingness of the potential victim to support a criminal prosecution" and other factors in reaching its decision.

The NHL suspended Simon for his two-handed stick attack to the face of the New York Rangers' Ryan Hollweg during a March 8 game at the Nassau Coliseum.

Hollweg, who needed a few stitches on the chin but was not seriously hurt, met with prosecutors from Rice's office last week but told reporters afterward that he didn't think Simon should be arrested.

-- AP