IceDogs Announce Sweeping Staff Changes Following Cultural Review
Former Niagara IceDogs Head Coach Ben Boudreau [Tim Cornett/OHL Images].
Earlier today, the Niagara IceDogs announced sweeping changes to their staff following a comprehensive team cultural review conducted by the OHL.
As a result of the review, team owner and governor Darren DeDobbelaer will step back from the day-to-day operations of the hockey and business sides of the organization. Head Coach Ben Boudreau, son of former Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau, has been relieved of his position.
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In addition to firing Boudreau, the team will not renew the contracts of Assistant Coaches Dan Paille and Marc Slawson.
Finally, GM Wes Consorti will transition to a new role as the executive liaison between DeDobbelaer and the club's operational leadership. He will act as interim GM until a replacement can be found.
"While this season brought several challenges, our focus remains on building a positive and stable environment for our players, staff and fans," said DeDobbelaer. "These changes are part of our commitment to ensuring long-term success both on and off the ice."
Niagara IceDogs Under Investigation For Cultural Review
Niagara IceDogs Under Investigation For Cultural Review On Wednesday, Mar. 12, TSN's Senior Correspondent
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Rick Westhead reported that the Ontario Hockey League has hired a Toronto law firm — Turnpennery Milne LLP — to conduct a cultural review of the Niagara IceDogs.
In March, the OHL announced the hiring of Toronto law firm Turnpennery Milne LLP to conduct a cultural review of the IceDogs. The league initiated the review, which has now come to fruition, following "multiple complaints of inappropriate behaviour involving staff members," as reported by TSN Senior Correspondent Rick Westhead.
It should be noted that Westhead also reported at that time that the "nature of the concerns raised are not sexual or criminal in nature," according to OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford.
Shortly after the review was initiated, the team was disciplined following an incident at a local movie theater during the first round of the OHL Playoffs.
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The incident in question involved players yelling and throwing food inside the theater. As punishment, each player on the Niagara roster was forced to sit for a period during their first-round series against the Barrie Colts. They ended up losing the series 4-1.
It will be an offseason of hiring in Niagara based on these announcements. In their press release today, the IceDogs mentioned they will immediately begin searching for a new GM and coaching staff in collaboration with the OHL.
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