After an investigation into an off-ice incident while the team was in Edmonton in February, four players on the Moose Jaw Warriors, as well as the head coach and general manager, have been suspended for varying lengths by the league.
All four players that were suspended back in February – defencemen Marek Howell and Max Wanner, forward Lynden Lakovic and goaltender Connor Ungar, were suspended for the rest of the regular season.
Head coach Mark O’Leary and general manager Jason Ripplinger were suspended for five games each effective immediately and the Warriors club has been fined $25,000.
The WHL’s statement released today said that Ripplinger and O’Leary are being disciplined for failing to provide “a safe and positive environment for players, in particular while travelling.”
In order to be re-instated after their suspensions, the players must all complete further personal conduct and respect training. The players have already missed 10 games since they were suspended last month.
An investigation by the Edmonton Police Service indicated there was nothing criminal in the matter – which still hasn’t been elaborated on by anyone involved – the league said the incident is still a violation of the league’s Standard of Conduct policy, as outlined in the WHL Personal Conduct Policy.
