Suspension: Portage Hockey - Coach Terry Ewasiuk |
(
Commissioner's Rulings
) |
2008-09 SeasonJanuary 30, 2009 On January 23, 2009 Portage coach Terry Ewasiuk was assessed a gross misconduct for making a travesty of the game. As part of the same incident, Mr. Ewasiuk was also assessed a game misconduct. In summary, the incident took place following an unusual play in which the referee called three minor penalties on Portage on the same play. Following the stoppage in play, the referee indicates that Mr. Ewasiuk became extremely agitated, standing on the bench, waving his arms and directing profanity towards the officiating crew. He was then assessed a bench minor. He continued in his actions and was then assessed a game misconduct. According to the referee, Mr. Ewasiuk refused to leave the ice surface following receipt of the game misconduct, insisting that he had to speak with his captain first. While refusing to leave, the referee indicates that Mr. Ewasiuk continued with his loud, profanity filled attack on the officials. After at least two minutes of Mr. Ewasiuk refusing to leave, despite repeated requests, the referee assessed a gross misconduct. After having spoken with the referees and reviewing submissions from Mr. Ewasiuk and from Lorne Moen, Commissioner B. Hendsbee has ruled that as per Art. I, Sec. 13, Rule 8.3 of the Operating Code that the three game suspension called for should not be altered in this instance. It is nearly impossible to assess credibility in these cases. For example, Mr. Ewasiuk denies swearing at the referee while the referee is adamant that Mr. Ewasiuk swore repeatedly throughout the incident. In any event, it is the Commissioner’s impression from speaking with the referee that the gross misconduct call was not simply the result of Mr. Ewasiuk’s use of foul language. What was of greater concern was Mr. Ewasiuk’s refusal to leave the playing surface after being assessed a game misconduct. The referee felt he had no choice to issue a gross misconduct as Mr. Ewasiuk’s conduct, in totality, was making a travesty of the game. As a result, Mr. Ewasiuk is hereby suspended for the following three games:
Commissioner B. Hendsbee |