Minor Hockey Team in London Suspended Over Policy Violations

A minor hockey team from London, Ont., has been temporarily suspended, affecting both coaches and players, according to the president of the organization that manages youth hockey in the area.

The West London Hawks U15 House League team has been disbanded until the end of the season due to an alleged incident that violated two locker room rules.

“We are taking it very seriously,” said Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario president Larry Moreland.

Moreland mentioned he learned about the incident at the end of January after it was reported to an Independent Third Party (ITP) investigator via Hockey Canada. He noted that it’s unclear when that report was filed.

While he didn’t go into details, Moreland indicated that players did not follow a no cell phones policy in dressing rooms, and coaches failed to adhere to the “rule of two,” which mandates having at least two registered staff present to supervise athletes in the locker room.

“It’s for the safety of the players,” he explained. “A minimum of two coaching staff need to be in the room or just outside with the door propped open so they can keep an eye on behavior in there.”

Two players were involved in this situation, according to Moreland, and have received suspensions from the Ontario Hockey Federation. Three coaches have also been suspended indefinitely.

Moreland stated a hearing is forthcoming.

Hockey Canada’s dressing room policy applies to all minor hockey teams sanctioned by the national governing body and its member associations. ( Paul Palmeter/)

The Greater London Hockey Association, which includes the Hawks team as a member association, acknowledged being aware of serious allegations against them.

“First and foremost, our concern is for the well-being and safety of the young athletes involved. Situations like this deeply worry our hockey community, and we understand how they affect players and families,” their statement read.

“We unequivocally condemn any alleged conduct that compromises player safety, dignity or respect. Our mandate is clear: provide a safe, structured environment for youth sport.”

Hockey Canada and Local Police Informed

A spokesperson for Hockey Canada stated they can’t comment on specific cases possibly overseen by ITP due to confidentiality concerns.

“Hockey Canada takes all allegations of maltreatment extremely seriously and established an Independent Third Party (ITP) in 2022 to manage such claims,” Jeremy Knight wrote in an email.

Knight clarified that ITP doesn’t investigate or adjudicate complaints but ensures they are handled in a “confidential, neutral and procedurally fair manner,” following industry best practices.

The London police confirmed they’re aware of social media discussions regarding this incident but did not provide further details.

“As this relates to an ongoing investigation, there’s no additional information available at this time,” police stated.

Clear ‘No Phone’ Rule

The team involved consists of players aged 14 years or younger. Since it’s a house league team, none had tryouts before joining.

Players who aren’t suspended have been invited to join other house teams within Hawks organization or throughout London until season’s end.

Moreland mentioned that these rules supposedly broken by team members aren’t new ones.

Alliance Hockey’s dressing room policy clearly states “cell phones and cameras are prohibited in all minor hockey dressing rooms” with exceptions only for emergencies.

A notice on West London Hawks’ website dated August 13th also reminds players about cell phone usage rules.

“Failure to comply with this policy may lead to disciplinary action (subject approval by West London Board), which could include removal from participation in future West London Minor Hockey events,” said their post attributed to board directors.

Addtionally , the Alliance policy emphasizes rule of two stating “coaches must maintain safe dressing room environment with proper supervision.”

Hockey Canada’s dressing room guidelines reiterate these same policies.

“No type of violent conduct including locker room boxing , bullying , or hazing is permitted”, states Hockey Canada’s regulations.

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