Three points the Kelowna Chiefs picked up on opening weekend of the 2015-16 junior B hockey season are no more.
The KIJHL has removed a win and a tie from the Chiefs for violation of a Hockey Canada eligibility rule—but not concerning the use of a player.
As the Chiefs headed out on a three-game road trip earlier this month to the Kootenays, registration for the team’s trainer had yet to be officially approved.
With an ineligible trainer on the bench, the Chiefs were forced to forfeit two points for a win Sept. 11 in Nelson, and another point for a tie Sept. 13 in Castelgar.
KIJHL president KIJHL president Bill Ohlhausen told the Nelson Star that “the rules are the rules”, citing the league’s constitution.
He said the process is uniform for all coaches, managers, trainers and players in that they all must file with the Hockey Canada registry and confirm their approval.
Still, Chiefs GM Grant Sheridan said because a trainer has no bearing on the outcome of a game, he believes the consequences are excessive.
Sheridan is disappointed that another KIJHL team would file a complaint on what he considers an innocuous situation.
“It’s a mockery of rules and technicalities, it’s a low-budget move,” said Chiefs’ general manager Grant Sheridan. “Even though the rule is violated, the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. To lose three points over this is disappointing.
“But rules are rules, so we’ll just take it and move on.”
So rather than sporting a 3-2-1 record and occupying top spot in the Okanagan Division, the Chiefs now sit fifth with two wins and two losses and two defaults.
Kelowna returns to action Friday in Osoyoos against the Coyotes.
The Chiefs next home action is Friday, Oct. 9 against the Princeton Posse
Two wins on road…
Jaden McNulty scored a hat-trick Saturday night as the Chiefs shutout the Border Bruins 6-0 in Grand Forks. Josh Tetlichi earned the shutout as Kelowna outshot the Bruins 52-23. Josh Johnston added three assists.
On Friday night in Spokane, the Chiefs edged the Braves 4-3 on overtime. Jonathan Lee, who had a goal and two assists, scored the game winner with 27 seconds left in OT.
