OHL suspends IceDogs GM Joey Burke, coach Billy Burke

TORONTO — Niagara IceDogs general manager, governor and minority owner Joey Burke and head coach and minority owner Billy Burke have been indefinitely suspended by the Ontario Hockey League following an investigation into comments made in a group chat.

The OHL announced Wednesday that the two men and the team have been fined a combined total of $150,000.

The league said the investigation was launched after it received transcripts of a March 6 WhatsApp conversation.

The OHL did not provide details of the transcripts, but said the conduct of Joey and Billy Burke violated the leagues’ harassment and abuse/diversity policy and ran counter to its Onside program, which the OHL says "emphasizes the importance of demonstrating respect for women through actions and words."

The league said Joey and Billy Burke will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement no sooner than June 1, provided they successfully complete counselling and education.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 6, 2022.