The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced on Wednesday that it is indefinitely suspending Niagara IceDogs general manager Joey Burke and head coach Billy Burke after an investigation into the club's conduct.
The two, along with the team, were also fined a total of $150,000 as a result of the findings. An investigation into the IceDogs was first announced on March 10 over "alleged offensive comments made by people in senior positions on a team group chat."
The OHL launched an independent investigation to see if those senior members had violated the league's diversity policy.
The club has not released a statement in regards to the suspension or announced who will take over either the GM or head coach position for the rest of the season. The IceDogs are 22-38-4, currently sitting in last place in the OHL's Eastern Conference.
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Why were the Niagara IceDogs' general manager and coach suspended?
Part of the announcement of the findings into the independent investigation was that Joey and Billy Burke did in fact violate the league's diversity policy.
"Based on the results of the League investigation, it is the position of the League that their conduct is prejudicial to the welfare of the OHL as it violates the Leagues’ Harassment & Abuse / Diversity Policy and also runs counter to the OHL’s Onside program which emphasizes the importance of demonstrating respect for women through actions and words."
It's a hefty suspension given out by the OHL, which is cracking down on misconduct allegations. The league kicked out Flint Firebirds president of hockey operations Terry Christensen last month for conduct that was deemed "prejudicial to the welfare" of the league.
When can the Niagara IceDogs' general manager and coach be reinstated?
According to the announcement, Joey and Billy Burke are eligible to apply for reinstatement into the league in June of 2024.
If they apply for reinstatement, the OHL commissioner "will assess whether they have successfully completed counseling and education to ensure that there will be no additional violations of League rules, policies, or expected conduct."
