This just in, the WHL has suspended Wenatchee Wild head coach Kevin Constantine indefinitely pending an internal investigation.
There have been rumors and allegations against Constantine for weeks now, mostly concerning the way in which he has treated his players at the WHL level.
From the WHL:
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today, Kevin Constantine, Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wild, has been suspended pending an independent investigation into alleged violations of WHL Regulations and Policies.
Constantine was suspended on Sunday after the WHL’s independent reporting channel received a complaint regarding his conduct. Constantine is not permitted to have any contact with any member of the organization, including players, while the matter is being investigated.
The WHL’s independent Player Advisory Council is conducting an investigation into the allegations. The independent investigation began Sunday when the complaint was received. Upon completion of the investigation, the Player Advisory Council will provide a report to the WHL Commissioner who will then make a determination on any further disciplinary action.
Earlier today, Wenatchee Wild management and the WHL Security Network met with the players to address the situation and offer support. The WHL will take all necessary steps to protect the player experience and ensure strict compliance with WHL Regulations and Policies.
The WHL will issue a further statement when the process has concluded.
You may recall that Constantine was suspended and fined $5,000 back in 2006 after the WHL deemed his punishment of his Everrett Silvertips to be "innapropriate" following a loss to the Tri-City Americans. Constantine was alleged to have made his players leave the arena, eat their meal and board the bus all the way to the next game location while still wearing their gear from their loss to the Americans. Constantine stated at the time that he didn't want his players to forget what they had done.
Constantine, of course, spent years coaching in the NHL, first with the San Jose Sharks then with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils. This upcoming season marked a return to WHL hockey for him, having last coached in Everett during the 2016-17 season.
