Niagara Ice Dogs GM and head coach both banned for abhorrent behaviour
Junior hockey has proved once again that the culture surrounding the sport is in dire need of a change. Yesterday, Niagara Ice Dogs General Manager and Head Coach Joey and Billy Burke, who are also co-minority owners of the team, have been suspended indefinitely by the OHL for conduct that's been deemed «prejudicial to the welfare of the OHL, violating the Leagues' Harassment, Abuse/Diversity Policy.»
The incident stems from a WhatsApp chat between the two that was leaked in which both Burke's were using homophobic and misogynistic language. As a result both Joey and Billy Burke and the Niagara Ice Dogs have been fined $150,000, and the two cannot apply for reinstatement in the league until 2024.
The Ice Dogs put out a statement avoiding any accountability and making the situation even worse from the clubs perspective.
Throughout Junior hockey's history, there have been plenty of examples of a culture of abuse and bigotry within the sport. The Ice Dogs scandal proves that this is still relevant in hockey culture.
It's another situation of people finally being held accountable for things that have gone on in hockey for decades. The Burke's aren't the first people that this has happened to and they most certainly won't be the last.
