A message from GMHL Commissioner, Bob Bernstein

GMHL Commissioner makes a statement regarding the December 19 game in Deseronto against the Shelburne Red Wings

 

First, I would just like to say that the league took immediate action and apologized to the Shelburne Red Wings about the unfortunate and unacceptable behavior of a few of the Deseronto Storm players during the playing of the Russian National Anthem at the game in Deseronto on December 19, 2010. Although this was a regrettable incident it is a single isolated incident I am happy to say and is not the way our players typically conduct themselves.

Next, I want to put to bed a rumour that has been circulating about the ownership and management culpability relating to this incident. The league has conducted its own investigation and is 100% satisfied that nobody in ownership, management or the coaching staff knew anything about this incident before it took place. In fact, the coaches immediately sent the guilty parties to the dressing room. Norm Clark went into the Shelburne dressing room after the game and personally apologized to the Red Wing players as well.

These were strictly the actions of a few Deseronto Storm players and neither the rest of the team, nor the people of the fine town of Deseronto should be held responsible or blamed in any way.

The league has taken swift and very strong action against all of the guilty parties involved. One player has been suspended for the balance of the season and the rest of the players are suspended for 3 games and must make a formal apology to the Shelburne Red Wings directly before they can return to the team.

With that, we can formally turn our attentions back to the running of this excellent league and all of the positive things we do for our players in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Bob Bernstein
Commissioner, GMHL