KIJHL suspends Leaf skipper for three games
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr,
The Nelson Daily Sports
Talk about running into a string of bad luck.
Not only does Chris Shaw need to deal with the trials and tribulations of skippering a 2-5-hockey team, but current coach and GM of the Nelson Leafs also needs to perform those duties at arm’s length after being hit with a three-game suspension.
Kootenay International Junior Hockey League brass came down hard on the Shaw after it was revealed that the Heritage City franchise had used “non-approved – by Hockey Canada – players.”
“I know (Chris) is new, but all the teams were told at our last meeting (in August) and given a booklet with all the playing regulations and rules in it,” KIJHL president Bill Ohlhausen told The Nelson Daily Saturday. “Those people at the meeting were told to make sure the coach reads it and understands it because we’re going to be checking.”
Twice Shaw used ineligible players and coaches and received a one-game suspension for the first offence (the Sept.18th contest against Grand Forks) and a two-game (during the Sept.19th game against Penticton) sit for the second.
“I think it’s a learning curve for everybody . . . myself and Sean included,” said Leaf assistant coach Jason Rushton when asked about the situation following Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Fernie.
Rushton and assistant Sean Dooley are 1-1 as coaches in Shaw’s absence. “But were lucky we have good support around us . . .. Even though Chris isn’t here, he’s always around to help out.”
When carding players, and coaches alike, managers must make sure the information has been received by the Hockey Canada website before having them take to the ice.
KIJHL Murdoch Vice President Bill Sheard said the team is supposed to print off copies from the HCR to confirm players are approved. The league also has the ability to check this information and has been doing so.
Not only was a player not approved by Hockey Canada, but both assistants, Rushton and Dooley, also were not cleared to be on the bench.
The Nelson Daily has also learned that the two Leaf trainers have not been keeping up with their certification. Therefore, both have been deemed ineligible to be on the bench until upgrades have been completed.
Along with the three-game suspension, the Leafs were fined $400 — $200 for each offence.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
