The Anaheim Ducks are giving Mark Bell a second chance at an NHL career, bringing up the 31-year-old from the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.
Once a budding power forward with the Blackhawks -- he scored 25 goals in 2005-06 -- Bell was traded to the San Jose Sharks in the summer of 2006. However, just months later, he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and felony hit-and-run after an accident that left another motorist seriously injured.
Bell was eventually sentenced to six months in prison after pleading no contest to the charges. His punishment was subsequently reduced to community service – specifically, picking up garbage along the highway.
After one unimpressive season in San Jose, Bell was traded to Toronto where he had a short stint with the Leafs before spending the next few seasons in the AHL and the Swiss League.
The Ducks host Ottawa Saturday.