The four Moose Jaw Warriors who received an indefinite suspension will have their suspensions upheld for the remainder of the regular season, but there is finally some good news in the situation -- all four are expected to be available when the Western Hockey League playoffs begin next month.
The league also announced that general manager Jason Ripplinger and head coach Mark O’Leary have been suspended five games, effective immediately, on the basis of failing to provide the proper oversight and supervision required to ensure a safe and positive environment for players, in particular, while travelling.
Reached immediately after the announcement, Ripplinger deferred comment as instructed by the WHL.
“All comments or anything like that has to be directed to the Western Hockey League, we can’t comment on anything,” he said.
Goaltender Connor Ungar, defenceman Max Wanner, forward Lynden Lakovic, and defenceman Marek Howell will be suspended through the remaining seven games on the Warriors schedule, which will make the total length of their suspensions 17 games, one of the longest in CHL history.
The Warriors have also been fined $25,000.
The four players have been suspended due to an off-ice incident while on a team road trip in Edmonton, during the month of February. Though the conduct of the players was not found to be criminal in nature, the conduct was determined to be a violation of team and league rules including the WHL Standard of Conduct policies, as outlined in the WHL Personal Conduct Policy.
In order to be reinstated by the WHL following the completion of their suspensions, the four Moose Jaw Warriors players will be required to complete further personal conduct and respect training.
The Warriors released a statement soon after the league's decision.
"The Warriors take full responsibility for the violations of team and league rules, and cooperated fully with the WHL investigation into this matter," the team said. "With the support of the WHL, the Warriors are fully committed to learning from this incident and will take the necessary steps to improve security moving forward. Our organization will continue to support all of our players throughout this process."
Out of respect for the privacy of all of the parties involved, the WHL cannot provide further details on the matter.
