Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A London, Ont., minor hockey team has been temporarily disbanded with both coaches and players suspended, according to the president of the organization that oversees youth hockey in the region.
The West London Hawks U15 House League team has been dissolved until the end of the season following an alleged incident that broke two dressing room policies.
“We are taking it very seriously,” said Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario president Larry Moreland.
Moreland said he was made aware of the incident at the end of January after it had already been reported to an Independent Third Party (ITP) investigator through Hockey Canada. He said when that report was made is unclear.
Without commenting on any specifics, Moreland said the incident involved players disregarding a no cell phones in dressing rooms policy, and team coaches not obeying the “rule of two” policy which requires at least two registered staff to supervise athletes in the dressing room.
“It’s for the safety of the players,” he explained. “A minimum of two of the coaching staff have to be in the room or just outside the door, with the door propped open, so that they can monitor behaviour in the dressing room.”
Two players were involved in the incident, Moreland said, and have been suspended by the Ontario Hockey Federation. Three coaches have also been suspended indefinitely.
Moreland said a hearing is pending.
Hockey Canada’s dressing room policy applies to all minor hockey teams sanctioned by the national governing body and its member associations. ( Paul Palmeter/CBC News)
The Greater London Hockey Association, of which the Hawks team is a member association, said it is aware of the serious allegations against the team.
“First and foremost, our concern is for the well-being and safety of the young athletes involved. Situations of this nature are deeply concerning to our hockey community, and we recognize the impact they have on players and families,” the statement said.
“We unequivocally condemn any alleged conduct that compromises player safety, dignity, or respect. Our mandate is clear: provide a safe, structured, and accountable environment for youth sport. “
Hockey Canada, local police aware
A Hockey Canada spokesperson said it cannot comment on any individual files that may or may not be under the oversight of the ITP, citing confidentiality.
“Hockey Canada takes all allegations of maltreatment extremely seriously and in 2022 established an Independent Third Party (ITP) to administer all maltreatment allegations,” Jeremy Knight wrote in an email to CBC News.
Knight said the ITP does not investigate or adjudicate complaints, but ensures that complaints are processed in a “confidential, neutral and procedurally fair manner,” using processes guided by industry best practices.
London police said it is aware of social media posts about the incident, but did not share any additional information.
“As the post relates to an ongoing investigation, there is no further information appropriate for release at this time,” police said.
Clear ‘no phone’ policy
The team allegedly involved in the incident consists of players who are 14-years-old or younger. Because it is a house league, none of the players had to try out for the team.
Non-suspended players have been invited to play on other house teams within the Hawks organization or throughout the London area until the end of the season.
Moreland said the rules allegedly broken by team members are not new.
Alliance Hockey’s dressing room policy explicitly states the use of “cell phones and cameras are prohibited in all minor hockey dressing rooms” and that phones can only be used in case of emergency.
A post on the West London Hawks’ website dated Aug. 13, 2025 also alerts players of rules around cell phone use.
“Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action (subject to approval by the West London Board of Directors), which may include, up to and including the removal of player, guardian, parent, coach, manager, trainer, other volunteers or employees from their ability to participate in further West London Minor Hockey activities and events,” said the post, which is attributed to the team’s board of directors.
In addition, the Alliance policy also clearly explains the rule of two, stating that “coaches must ensure that a safe and comfortable dressing room environment with proper supervision is always upheld.”
Hockey Canada’s dressing room policy also explicitly states the same rules.
“No type of violent conduct of any kind (including locker room boxing) bullying, or hazing is permitted,” the Hockey Canada policy says.