Tuesday, October 25, 2011

MJHL hands down sanctions against Neepawa Natives

Press Release

As a result of an investigation into a complaint of hazing, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League has announced the following sanctions:

* Neepawa Natives hockey club is fined $5,000.

* Head Coach Bryant Perrier is suspended for two games.

* Assistant Coach Brad Biggers is suspended for five games.

* Team captain Danil Kalashnikov is suspended for five games.

* Assistant Captains Richard Olson, Tyler Gaudry and Shane Harrington are suspended for three games.

* A total of 12 other players are suspended for one game each.

MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis explained the fine and suspensions were the result of a thorough investigation conducted after a complaint of hazing had been received.

“A hazing incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the hockey club during the week of September 26, 2011,” said Davis. “The message from the MJHL is clear. This type of activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. There is no excuse for this type of inappropriate behavior. Ultimately, the hockey club is responsible for the conduct of its staff and players. As a result, a significant financial sanction has been imposed to reflect the importance of the team’s responsibility in this matter.

“The Head Coach had no knowledge of the hazing incidents, but is responsible because of his position as head of the hockey club” said Davis. “Therefore, the suspension of the Head Coach reflects the responsibility he had to ensure the staff and players conducted themselves appropriately.”

Davis explained that the suspension of the Assistant Coach was the result of him not promptly reporting his knowledge of hazing activity among the players.

Players Suspended

“The captain and assistant captains of a hockey club are often the most senior players and are looked upon as leaders of the club,” said Davis. “As leaders they have a responsibility to do what’s right and to provide positive examples of proper conduct to other players. As a result, those players have also been suspended.”

“Twelve other players have also been suspended for participating in the hazing incident whether as observers or otherwise,” said Davis, “adding that all of them had a responsibility to ensure that hazing did not occur.”

The hazing complaint was vigorously investigated by the league office, noted Davis. Additionally, a special panel was struck to review the evidence and to render a decision. The review panel consisted of two Governors of the MJHL, two Executive members of Hockey Manitoba as well as the MJHL Commissioner. The decision described above was arrived at collectively by the panel.

Davis noted that the Natives organization will be reimbursed a portion of the $5,000 fine if the hockey club partakes in professional services to understand and deal with the psychological implications of hazing.

It is worth noting that the ownership group and hockey staff of the Neepawa Natives informed the MJHL promptly when they became aware of the complaint. Throughout the investigative process the Natives ownership and hockey staff cooperated fully.

Although the MJHL has in the past proactively made all relevant Hockey Canada materials on hazing available to all teams, all 11 MJHL clubs will be expected to participate in an educational program, aimed at heightening awareness of the dangers of hazing and to eradicate the scourge of this type of activity.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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