OHL suspends owner for firing same coaching staff twice this year

Discussion in 'Other Hockey' started by truebluefan, Feb 19, 2016.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    The Ontario Hockey League announced on Thursday that it has suspended Rolf Nilsen, the owner of the Flint Firebirds, for his actions this season, including the firing of the same coaching staff on two different occasions.

    The most recent firing came on Wednesday.

    Along with the indefinite suspension of Nilsen, the league also suspended his representatives on his management team as well as the newest coach, Sergei Kharin, and his staff.

    "The Ontario Hockey League takes the health and well being of our players very seriously," league commissioner David Branch said in a statement. "The recent actions by the owner of the Flint Firebirds Rolf Nilsen and his representatives on the management team and coaching staff is of great concern as they pose a serious threat to our commitment to our players and their families."

    He continued: "In addition, the League will continue to investigate the actions of Rolf Nilsen and other representatives of the Flint Firebirds and will take any action and impose any sanctions that are deemed appropriate by the Commissioner. Later today, the League will be meeting with the players in Flint to further discuss the situation, and to ensure that they are provided the appropriate supports. These discussions and supports will be ongoing for the players and their families."

    As part of the sanctions placed against the ownership group, the team must also at its cost provide counseling for players on the team.

    This whole saga began back in November when Nilsen fired coach John Gruden and his staff just 17 games into the season because Nilsen's son, who plays on the team, was not getting enough playing time. Gruden was re-hired and given a three-year contract extension after the players walked out and threatened to quit the team following his firing.

    - See more at: http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on...me-coaching-staff-for-second-time-this-season
     

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