OHL Investigating Team After Accusations of Bounty Placed on Player
The Ontario Hockey League has decided to launch a full investigation after accusations that one of the league's teams placed a bounty on an opposing player. The team in question is the Sudbury Wolves.
According to Jeff Marek of Sportsnet, during a game on Jan. 18 between the Wolves and Barrie Colts, there was a hit on a teammate that the Wolves were not happy with. Barrie's Kashawn Aitcheson levelled Nathan Villeneuve. There was no call on the play as the hit was hard, but clean. Aitcheson ended up dropping the gloves with Sudbury's Nolan Collins over it. You can see the hit and the fight in the video below.
The two teams met again three days later. This time, Aitcheson was not in the lineup for the Colts, and there are allegations that move was made because a bounty was placed on him by the Wolves.
Neither team was willing to comment on the issue. No word on how long the investigation will take. Placing a bounty on an opponent could come with harsh, on-ice repercussions from the league, and possibly even criminal implications should police decide to get involved.
| POLL | ||
Have you ever heard of a bounty being placed on a player in a league you follow? | ||
| Yes | 93 | 60.4 % |
| No | 53 | 34.4 % |
| Not sure | 8 | 5.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
