Two leaders of WHL teams paid the price for conduct violations on Friday.
Swift Current Broncos head coach Dean DeSilva has resigned following a league investigation during which the coach was found to have twice breached the WHL Standards of Conduct, the WHL team said.
Meanwhile, Lethbridge Hurricanes general manager Peter Anholt has been suspended through Nov. 25 for breaching the Standards of Conduct through use of intimidating behaviour and language during a post-game address to players in the dressing room, the league said.
The WHL said DeSilva had two conduct breaches — one during a game and one during a practice.
When the Broncos announced his suspension on Nov. 6, they said it was in relation to an on-ice issue at practice. The league said DeSilva was given a five-game suspension that ended Tuesday. The Broncos also were fined $10,000.
“Following careful consideration, it was mutually determined that in the best interest of both Dean and the organization, this is the right path forward,” Broncos GM Chad Leslie said in a statement. “The Swift Current Broncos are committed to providing a positive environment for all players."
Regan Darby will assume the role of head coach on an interim basis.
The Broncos (7-11-1-0) have lost nine of their past 10 games.
The Broncos hired DeSilva after he spent the past four seasons as an assistant with the Everett Silvertips.
The native of Ayr, Ont., previously worked as an assistant coach of the Vancouver Giants and as a head coach for junior-B teams in Ontario.
Anholt, meanwhile, accepted responsibility for his actions in a statement. The league said the Hurricanes also were fined $10,000.
“My behaviour and language in addressing our team did not meet expectations,” Anholt said. “The Lethbridge Hurricanes have always believed in providing a positive environment for our players. I accept the discipline issued by the WHL and will be committed to a higher standard moving forward.”
Barclay Parneta, senior advisor for the Hurricanes, will handle Anholt’s responsibilities while he is suspended. The Hurricanes (6-14-0-1) are last in the Eastern Conference.
The league said both situations were brought to the WHL’s attention through its anonymous 1-800 WHL Respect Line, which provides players, staff, and others associated with the WHL a confidential avenue to report concerns or incidents that may violate league standards.
“Accountability is a cornerstone of the WHL’s culture,” WHL commissioner Dan Near said in a statement. “The WHL holds all members — whether players, coaches, or executives — to clear and consistent standards of conduct. When those standards are not met, we will take the necessary steps to uphold integrity and protect the well-being of everyone involved in our game.”
