The investigation into suspended Fort Frances Lakers head coach Bernie Lynch is making national headlines.
A CBC National News report, which aired last night, cites inappropriate emails and text messages between the coach and an unidentified player at the heart of the probe by the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Hockey Canada.
Lynch was suspended at the beginning of the year after the Lakers’ board of directors was informed.
Lakers president Gary Silander wrote to Lynch on January 2, calling his conduct “inappropriate.”
Lynch was also ordered not to have any contact with players or team directors while the investigation took place.
Photo: Chloe Skead
A “heart and soul type player (who) always gave his all for the team.”
That’s how U18 ‘AAA’ Kenora Thistles head coach Scott Parsons describes graduating alternate captain Jeff McMenemy.
Parsons goes on to say that the Dryden product was always looking to get better.
“Jeff was always trying to improve, and would often reach out to us coaches to get our insight to what he can do better,” says Parsons, “His work ethic and attention to detail will be missed next season.”
Though he is far from the biggest player on the ice, McMenemy was an important part of the Thistles special teams. Though he was mostly used to kill penalties, Parsons says his roll was starting to expand to include more time on the powerplay.
Photo: Chloe Skead
While Aidan Bullock only got to play five games in a Kenora Thistles uniform, his presence will be missed next season.
U18 ‘AAA’ Thistles head coach Scott Parsons tells us that Bullock was someone he put in all situations.
“Aidan was a skilled player who could play centre or right-wing,” says Parsons, “He was used in multiple situations including both sides of special teams.”
He goes on to say that Bullock would only have gotten better as the season went on.
“I think if the season would have continued, Aidan would have really seen some improvement the more comfortable he got at this level and would have been a big contributor for us on the back end of the year.”