Thursday, January 19, 2012

Hazing investigation concluded: suspensions lengthened

Press Release

An independent investigator has concluded their investigation into a hazing complaint levied against the Neepawa Natives. After reviewing the investigator’s report, suspensions to the Natives’ former head coach and assistant coach have been lengthened to the end of the 2011-12 season, MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis announced today.

Former Natives’ head coach Bryant Perrier, who resigned earlier this season, has now been suspended until April 1, while former assistant coach Brad Biggers’ suspension has been extended to July 1. The suspensions are effective in all Hockey Canada jurisdictions.

“As the head coach and leader of the club’s hockey operations, (Perrier) should have known that hazing activity was being undertaken by members of the team,” said Davis. “As someone in a position of authority and leadership he was responsible to know what was going on in the dressing room. He failed to do that, and is therefore accountable.”

Earlier this year the MJHL responded to a complaint about hazing within the Natives’ dressing room. Subsequently, several Neepawa players received suspensions after an investigation by Commissioner Kim Davis, who also ordered an independent investigation conducted by a retired Winnipeg Police Service member.

The independent investigation, conducted by Ron Bell, consisted of interviews with players, coaches, members of the Natives’ board of directors and parents of the complainant.

The report found the following:

  • Veteran members of the hockey club initiated hazing activities on rookie players.
  • There were at least four separate incidents of hazing this year of which one complaint has arisen.

“The MJHL finds hazing totally unacceptable and it is clear that the suspensions are an indication of the strong view the League has on this type of behavior,” said Davis. “Team leaders are responsible for their players and have an obligation to provide a safe environment at all times.”

As a result of the report, a number of recommendations will soon be forwarded to the league’s Board of Governors:

  • A new set of procedures be adopted to educate players about hazing.
  • Member clubs be held fully accountable for hazing incidents.
  • Audit team communications to players about hazing and enforce mandatory permanent signage within dressing rooms.
  • MJHL coaches will be required to access professional resource materials concerning hazing from Coaching Manitoba.
  • In conjunction with the league’s Safety and Performance Policy, all players and coaches will receive on an annual basis a presentation concerning the implications of hazing.

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

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