Silverkings Appeal To HNB Denied

An appeal by the Black’s Harbour Silverkings on a suspension to the team’s head coach and a player has been denied by Hockey New Brunswick (HNB).

Black’s Harbour used Justin McCutcheon during a game against the River Valley Rock on Nov. 10.

Each team must submit a roster to HNB each week for clearance to play. He was not sanctioned to play by HNB under its jurisdiction.

The result means a one game suspension to McCutcheon, a single game suspension to head coach Meryl Stewart and two points lost in the standings.

The SHL had made its suspension decisions based on HNB regulations and league constitution.

“When it comes to each player stepping on the ice for an SHL game, we have to make sure everyone is cleared to play for their safety and for the safety of others,” said SHL president Sheldon Currie. “It all comes down to insurance regulations. If something happens to a player that isn’t cleared by HNB and that player isn’t covered with insurance, you can imagine the potential for legal ramifications.”

McCutcheon did not appear as an approved registered player on Hockey Canada’s Registry on Nov. 10.

The particular rules are contrary to Hockey Canada’s Regulation Section F-11 and HNB regulation 108 a. and b. that reads to “participate in a league game, all team members must appear on a Hockey Canada-designated roster for the current season and such roster must be approved,” and “team members are responsible to provide all documentation concerning the eligibility of a player even when it is proven that team officers were acting in good faith.”

“This wasn’t an intentional move by the Silverkings’ organization,” said Currie. “They were under the assumption Mr. McCutcheon was cleared to play when, in fact, HNB did not grant approval.”

Black’s Harbour was also fined $250 for using an ineligible player and the Rock was awarded the two points.

SHL By Law 6-1 specifically states league members “may appeal to HNB, following any ruling, disciplinary action, or decision of a protest made by the League President.”

The Silverkings did indeed make an official appeal to HNB to have the decision overturned, but the provincial body denied that process on Friday.

“We encourage any of our teams to use the appeal process,” Currie said. “There are necessary steps to take and the Silverkings did exactly that. We stress to all teams to ensure the players in their lineup on any given game are properly approved. It protects the players and the teams.”

McCutcheon will miss tonight’s game against the St. Stephen Seahawks in the Border Town.