The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has issued a $15,000 fine to the Barrie Colts following a post-playoff game news conference on Monday night, where both the coach and team captain shared just one response: “No one cares, work harder.”
This penalty came two days after the Colts secured a 5-0 victory over the Brantford Bulldogs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final, allowing them to advance to the OHL championship series against the Kitchener Rangers.
During their brief media session, head coach Dylan Smoskowitz and captain Kashawn Aitcheson only offered that catchphrase when responding to questions.
Aitcheson was asked about his goal and how teammate goaltender Ben Hrebik performed with his 40 saves.
“Uh, no one cares, work harder,” he replied.
WATCH | Barrie Colts’ post-Game 7 news conference:
When Smoskowitz was questioned about losing Game 4 by a score of 6-1 and then bouncing back to win the series, he stated, “It’s a good question. No one cares, work harder.”
In a Tuesday interview with TSN’s Overdrive that is pinned on their X account, Smoskowitz accepted responsibility for those comments. He explained that he reacted poorly after being informed that not all team members could attend the media availability.
“All year long, it’s been about this brotherhood,” he told Overdrive hosts.
“Instead of acting like an adult about it and saying, ‘OK, no problem, let’s go have a normal press conference as per usual,’ I kind of went in another direction with it. And it was a decision that’s something I regret immediately.”
Smoskowitz mentioned that the Brantford series was competitive and acknowledged that choosing to respond with just one phrase “was a big oopsie and something I’ll learn from.”
He added Aitcheson was “just being a good soldier” and following orders.
“He is an outstanding human being.”
OHL calls comments ‘highly unprofessional’
The OHL stated that they fined the team “for conduct detrimental to the public perception of the league.”
“The OHL holds its member teams and their personnel to the highest standards of professional conduct,” they said in a brief statement.
“The post-game comments in question were determined to be highly unprofessional and represented a disservice to the dedicated media members who provide coverage of the Ontario Hockey League.”
The Colts were contacted for comment regarding the fine but had not responded by publication time.
Championship series begins in Kitchener
The Colts are set to travel tonight as they kick off their pursuit of the J. Ross Robertson Cup against Western Conference champions Rangers.
During Tuesday’s pre-game media session, Rangers forward Sam O’Reilly-who received the Red Tilson Trophy for being recognized as this season’s top player-expressed excitement about facing off in this series.
“I’m really excited and ready to get going. It’s a great honour to be in the OHL finals.”
Barrie features “a lot of good players over there,” noted O’Reilly. “I think we just have to keep playing our game, stick to our system, and our skill will take over.”
WATCH | Kitchener Rangers are prepared for the series against Barrie:
Kitchener Rangers speak ahead of OHL finals against Barrie Colts
The Kitchener Rangers held a press conference before their matchup with Barrie Colts in OHL Championship Series. CBC K-W’s Diego Pizarro talked with Rangers forward Sam O’Reilly and general manager Mike Mc Kenzie about how they’re preparing for this series.
Rangers general manager Mike Mc Kenzie expressed enthusiasm for starting on home ice during this series.
“Our guys love playing in front of our fan base. The building’s been electric.”
Here’s what remains on schedule for this series:
Game 2 in Kitchener on Friday at 7 p. m. ET.
Game 3 in Barrie on Sunday at 6 p. m.
Game 4 in Barrie on Tuesday at 7 p. m.
Game 5 if needed will be held in Kitchener on May 14 at 7 p. m.
Game 6 if needed will take place in Barrie on May 16 at 6 p. m.
Game 7 if needed will be played in Kitchener on May 18; time is still TBD.
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