Prince George, B.C.- The WHL has released more information about the reasons why it slapped the Portland Winterhawks with severe penalties for violating WHL regulations.
In a statement issued late this afternoon, the WHL says when it first became aware aware the Portland Winterhawks had entered into an undisclosed player agreement which contravened WHL Regulations, the WHL commissioned international accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent investigation to determine whether there were any additional benefits extended to players during the past five seasons.
"The independent investigation identified 54 violations involving 14 players which have occurred over the past five seasons." reads a release from the WHL.
According to the WHL, the violations all relate to providing players with benefits not permitted under WHL Regulations. The WHL says the violations include additional parent travel, off-season training and other benefits. These additional benefits, which were not disclosed to the WHL, are strictly prohibited under WHL Regulations.
All WHL Clubs and General Managers are required to fully disclose to the WHL all benefits provided to players and to ensure their Club is fully aware of and in compliance with WHL Regulations at all times.
“We believe the sanctions are not excessive given the repeated and systemic nature of the violations,” stated WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “The independent investigation discovered an unprecedented number of violations. It is the responsibility of each WHL Club and General Manager to be fully aware of the WHL Regulations and to be in compliance at all times. These sanctions are necessary in order to protect the overall welfare and integrity of our League and to preserve a level playing field for all of our member Clubs and our players.”
The sanctions included suspending the team’s General manager and coach for the balance of the season, a fine of $200 thousand dollars, and the team has been suspended from taking part in the first five rounds of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, plus, must forfeit their first round selections in the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 WHL Bantam Drafts.
Comments
I’m all for teams playing fair by the rules. But this does seem a little extreme considering everything.
I wonder if a similarly extensive independent audit was done on ALL the WHL teams what that might show up?
They would likely have to simply cancel the next 2 seasons.
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