Investigation into Allegations Against WHL, Team Canada Coach Now Closed

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
August 6, 2023 (5:17 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Just a day after it was revealed that the Western Hockey League and US Center for SafeSport were conducting an investigation into allegations made against one of their coaches, there's word the case has been closed.

Dennis Williams, of Ontario, is the Head Coach and GM of the WHL's Everett Silvertips. He also served as Assistant Coach (2022) and Head Coach (2023) of Canada's World Junior Hockey team. A report from TSN this weekend stated Williams was under investigation by the US Center for SafeSport following allegations by an unnamed complainant. The complainant said several players were concerned with Williams for using the players' showers and coming out only wearing a towel on multiple occasions. It also alleged that Williams "walked into the bathroom while [a] player was losing consciousness following VO2 max testing. Dennis took a photo of the player on his phone while the player was on the bathroom floor and walked out, leaving the player unconscious on the bathroom floor. The player was 17 at the time." Today, the WHL said the investigation has concluded and no evidence of wrongdoing has been found.

"This week, the WHL completed a series of investigations in response to allegations made by former Everett Silvertips equipment manager Damon Pugerude. Conducted by Kevan Stuart, WHL Head of Security, these investigations found no evidence to support any of the allegations made by Mr. Pugerude. The investigations also concluded that Mr. Williams did not violate WHL conduct policies.

Further to this, on the evening of Friday, August 4, USA Hockey's General Counsel informed the WHL that the US Center for SafeSport completed its own independent inquiry into the reported allegations concerning Mr. Williams. Based on the evidence and information currently available, the US Centre for SafeSport has closed the matter after reaching a similar conclusion to the investigations conducted by the WHL."

The league went on to say that the Silvertips, Williams and the WHL cooperated fully with all aspects of the investigation.

Source: CHL.ca/WHL

POLL
AOUT 6 \| 38 ANSWERS Investigation into Allegations Against WHL, Team Canada Coach Now Closed Are you satisfied with the results of the investigation?
Yes	17	44.7 %
No	15	39.5 %
Not sure	6	15.8 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Sep 9, 2024; Media, Pennsylvania, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and former general manager Brian Burke leave St. Mary Magdalen Parish following the funeral service for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers died after being hit by a drunk driver while riding bicycles on Aug. 29.Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

21 minutes ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brian Burke Puts American Players on Blast Regarding Their Involvement at the IIHF World Championship

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

1 hour ago | By Tom Banks

Montreal Radio Host Trolls Team USA by Calling Boston Radio Station After Four Nations Final Defeat

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Matthew Tkachuk Drawing Heated Criticism For Decision To Play In Four Nations Finale

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Paul Maurice Breaks Silence on Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Status Ahead of Panthers Game Tomorrow Night

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

21 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Video Captures Jon Cooper Sending a Message to McDavid and Marner Ahead of OT Game-Winning Goal

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates scoring in overtime to win with defenseman Devon Toews (5) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

22 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid Makes his Feelings Clear on the Passing of the Torch from Sidney Crosby

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Feb 21 | By Tom Banks

Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images