Niagara IceDogs players kicked out, GM suspended 2 years for violating OHL policies

The Ontario Hockey League has handed down sanctions against the Niagara IceDogs, banning two players and suspending the general manager for two years due to violations of league policies.

On Thursday, the OHL said the team has breached the league’s maltreatment, bullying and harassment protection and prevention policy, as well as the league’s code of conduct.

After a months-long investigation, the league fined the team $100,000, took away a first round draft pick next year and suspended the team’s owner and general manager Darren Dedobbelaer for two years.

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Players Joshua Rosenzweig and Landon Cato have also both been permanently kicked out of the OHL.

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe and CAO David Oakes said they are shocked by the statement issued by the OHL but fully support the decision.

“This is an unacceptable situation that must be addressed swiftly and decisively. It is our hope that we as a community can find a path forward that ensures these actions are neither condoned nor ignored and will restore our collective faith in the IceDogs organization,” they said in the statement.

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