The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) announced disciplinary measures against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats following an investigation into allegations of hazing.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, KIJHL was notified of the incident by Thunder Cats staff, which led to an immediate suspension of the teamB次元官网网址檚 activities. The exhibition game against the Fernie Ghostriders, scheduled for the following evening, was cancelled.

KIJHL staff travelled to Creston on Thursday to conduct interviews with Thunder CatsB次元官网网址� players and coaches, in consultation with Safe Sport partner, ITP Sport, and BC Hockey.

B次元官网网址淥ur investigation made clear that we have considerable work to do in order to educate our players on the standard of behaviour and leadership expected of them in a team environment,B次元官网网址� said commission Jeff Dubois. B次元官网网址淲e take this responsibility seriously, and we are taking immediate steps to address this issue.B次元官网网址�

As a result of the KIJHLB次元官网网址檚 investigation, the Thunder Cats have received a fine and have been placed on probation for two-year period.

During probation, proactive steps must be taken towards creating a positive team culture. Members of the Thunder Cats organization will be required to complete training designed to identify and eliminate abuse, bullying, and harassment. If any similar incidents are reported, further sanctions will be issued.

Effective Sept. 16, Thunder Cats team captain Clayton Brown has been suspended for 12 games, and alternate captain Campbell McLean has been suspended for six games for violations of KIJHLB次元官网网址檚 Individual Conduct Policy.

B次元官网网址淭he KIJHL is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for our athletes, volunteers, staff and fans,B次元官网网址� said Dubois. B次元官网网址淲hat occurred in Creston was unacceptable, and the discipline imposed against the Thunder CatsB次元官网网址� organization and members of the team reflect our zero-tolerance approach to these types of incidents.B次元官网网址�

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