The Western Hockey League has released the following statement to provide further clarification on the sanctions imposed yesterday on the Portland Winterhawks.
After the WHL became aware that 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.
The violations all relate to providing players with benefits not permitted under WHL Regulations. 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.”
(From the Western Hockey League)
Pretty sure a few other teams are cringing right now and hoping that the league doesn't decide to audit everyone. CB
ReplyDeleteI hope the house of cards collapses end exposes all of them. The scouts that lie, the owners and coaches and best friend agents who profit off of lies, deceit and corruption. That's what this is all about, corruption and an incredible sense of entitlement. The WHL is now obligated to examine every team's practices.
ReplyDeleteShame, shame, shame....
I know for a fact that teams are paying for players off season training at the fancy clubs and the most expensive trainers (elite trainers that turn away the poor). They hide behind the agency pays for it line.
I know of 16 yo players this year who received these so called undisclosed signing benefits.
Again, shame on the system. Brutal culture! Kind of like Enron.
Guess this is one benefit to being publicly owned and broke. HLR
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:59.....I would be interested in hearing which teams paid for off-season training programs. These clubs need to be exposed. I wish the league would come up with a salary cap for all teams so that the playing field could be monitored more closely and make it more even.
ReplyDeleteThere was a problem with Victor Rask last year when he had not reported to the Hitmen. I heard on The Fan that Kelly Kisio picked up the phone and Rask was in camp the next week.
Too many shady things going on with the big clubs!
Darren
Despite the claims of WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, there is no such thing as a level playing field in the WHL. As long as you have teams owned by NHL teams or multi-millionaires who have buildings that are home to more than 6,000 fans, that notion is ridiculous. Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Portland, Kelowna,Seattle,Saskatoon can do what and how they want...........as long as they do not get caught. One thing about community owned teams, even when in the black, they will never be able to lure players with "fringe benefits.
ReplyDeleteRask-Kisio would never be investigated as long as the Hitmen are owned by the Flames. The league would never take on Ken King and the boys.
RJ
I'd never reveal a name are you kidding me. These are friends. The WHL needs to do its research. What should happen is that an inquiry take place on business practices
ReplyDeleteIt's safe to say, if I was under subpoena, I would have to share the name.
Funny how 531 and other raise the question of King and Company. What a joke. As I said, it's brutal for community based teams that are trying to build though honesty and hard work.